The Italian Wax Pepper is amazing for pickling. Pickle small ones for medium to low heat. Pickle large ones for a real nice burn!! My dads very favorite for pickling, he calls them “bruno’s” because of the brand that made them famous. I love them by them self or on a sandwich. Perfect with cheese and crackers or how ever you like to eat your pickled items. As for eating them fresh, I don’t think they taste that good. They need the vinegar to really make them awesome!