How to preserve green chili peppers in winter to prevent them from spoiling

The key to preserving green chili peppers in winter is to control humidity and temperature. Methods such as refrigeration, freezing, air drying, vacuum sealing, and burial can be used to extend the shelf life.

1. Refrigerate and store

Wash and dry the green chili peppers, put them in a fresh-keeping bag, tie the bag tightly, and place them in the refrigerator compartment. Keeping the refrigeration temperature at 4-8 degrees Celsius can delay the respiration of chili peppers and prevent water loss. Be careful not to refrigerate directly after cleaning, as surface water droplets can easily cause mold growth. refrigerated green chili peppers can maintain a fresh state for about 7-10 days and are suitable for short-term storage.

2. Cryopreservation

Remove the stems from the green chili peppers, cut them into pieces, and lay them flat on a tray for freezing. After shaping, transfer them to a sealed bag and vacuum them. Under frozen conditions, the activity of chili cells completely stops and can be stored for more than 3 months. Thawed chili peppers are more suitable for stir frying or stewing soup, with a slightly softer texture but intact flavor. It is recommended to pack according to daily usage before freezing to avoid repeated thawing.

3. Air dry and dehydrate

Select intact and undamaged green chili peppers, hang them with cotton thread, and place them in a ventilated and cool place to air dry naturally. During the drying process, it is necessary to avoid direct sunlight and flip it daily to prevent local mold growth. Dried chili peppers that have been completely dehydrated can be sealed in ceramic jars and stored in a dry environment for more than six months. Soak in warm water before consumption to restore some freshness and tenderness.

4. Vacuum sealing

Use a food grade vacuum machine to remove air from the packaging bag, isolate oxygen, and delay oxidation and deterioration. Vacuum packaged green chili peppers can be kept fresh for 15-20 days when refrigerated, and the freezing storage period can be extended to 6 months. Pay attention to checking the sealing of the packaging during operation, as air leakage can accelerate spoilage. This method is suitable for preserving high-quality chili varieties with small quantities.

5. Bury Sand

Lay 5 centimeters of dry fine sand at the bottom of the wooden box, place green chili peppers in a single layer, cover with 3 centimeters of sand, and repeat stacking to two-thirds of the box. Sandy soil can maintain a stable humidity of 60% -70% and a temperature of 10-12 degrees Celsius. Regularly inspect and remove rotten individuals. This method can keep chili peppers fresh for about a month and is suitable for rural areas without refrigerators.

The appropriate method for storing green chili peppers in winter should be selected according to actual conditions. Regardless of the method used, it is necessary to strictly screen for undamaged chili peppers in the early stage and maintain cleanliness of the tools and environment during the processing. For short-term storage, refrigeration is preferred, while for long-term storage, freezing or drying is recommended. Before consumption, pay attention to whether there are mold spots or odors. Rotten chili peppers can produce carcinogenic substance aflatoxin and should be discarded immediately. It can be stored together with natural antibacterial ingredients such as onions and garlic in daily life, which can further enhance the preservation effect.