How to store fresh chili peppers for longer periods of time

Fresh chili peppers can be stored for an extended period of time through methods such as refrigeration, freezing, sun drying, pickling, and vacuum sealing.

1. Refrigeration

Put intact fresh chili peppers into a fresh-keeping bag, remove air, seal, and place them in the fruit and vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. The refrigeration temperature is controlled at 4-8 degrees Celsius and can be stored for about two weeks. Be careful not to mix with vegetables with high moisture content to prevent mold growth. After refrigeration, the taste of chili peppers is close to fresh state, suitable for direct cooking and use.

2. Freezing

Wash and dry chili peppers can be whole or cut into sections and spread flat in a fresh-keeping box for freezing. They can be stored for 3-6 months at minus 18 degrees Celsius. Freezing can cause changes in cell structure, and thawing is more suitable for stewing or making chili sauce. Suggest packaging small portions to avoid repeated thawing and affecting quality.

3. Sun drying

Choose chili varieties with thick skin and less meat, hang them with cotton thread in a ventilated and cool place for natural drying, or use a food dryer to dehydrate them. Completely dried chili peppers with a moisture content of less than 10% can be stored for more than 1 year by adding desiccants in a sealed container. Dried chili peppers can be used for grinding chili powder or cooking after rehydration.

4. Marinate

Fresh chili peppers are soaked in salt water for sterilization, and then mixed with garlic cloves, ginger, and other ingredients in a disinfected container. The mixture is then poured into boiling and cooled vinegar salt water for sealed fermentation. Acidic environment can inhibit bacterial growth, and can be stored at room temperature in a cool place for more than 6 months. Pickled chili has a unique flavor and is suitable as a side dish.

V. Vacuum Sealing

Use a household vacuum machine to remove air from the packaging bag, isolate oxygen, and delay oxidation. Vacuum packaged chili peppers can be kept fresh for 1 month when refrigerated, and the freezing storage period can be extended to 8-12 months. Before vacuuming, it is necessary to ensure that the surface of the chili is completely dry to avoid moisture causing frost inside the bag.

During storage, it is necessary to regularly check the condition of chili peppers and remove moldy individuals. There are differences in storage tolerance among different varieties of chili peppers, for example, chili peppers are easier to preserve than bell peppers. Choose appropriate methods based on consumption needs. For short-term consumption, it is recommended to refrigerate, while for long-term storage, drying or freezing is preferred. Regardless of the method used, fresh and undamaged chili peppers should be selected before storage. After cleaning, the surface moisture should be thoroughly dried, and containers and operating tools should be kept clean and dry. These basic steps can significantly improve storage efficiency. Before consuming chili peppers that have been stored for a long time, it is recommended to observe for any odors or mold spots to ensure food safety.