How To Dry Fresh Chillies - 3 Hassle Free Easy Ways
If you want, you can dry chilies at home and use them in cooking. To do this, you need to know how to dry fresh chilies the right way. Dry chilies can be stored for a long time. Even its spice and flavor stays good for a long time. So, store this spice well and use it easily in spicy, flavorful dishes. Floods caused by heavy rains in Dubai recently left many trapped in their homes. In unexpected situations, your preserved dry spices will be the main ingredient in the cooking. However, I will discuss three easy methods to dry your fresh chilies at home. Stay tuned!
How To Dry Fresh Chillies - 3 Easy Methods
Dried chilies are a great way to extend their shelf life and intensify their flavor. Feel free to use them in your cooking throughout the year.
Air Drying: A Classic Method
The method of air drying fresh red chilies is very old. This traditional method is suitable for dry and hot climates. Now choose ripe and blemish free chilies and wash and drain the water. You can air-dry chilies in two ways. You can use any method that is convenient for you.
Use a flat surface - Spread the peppers well on a clean cloth or dry paper sheet on a flat surface. Choose a well ventilated and sunny place with good air circulation which can be your balcony or roof. I dry my peppers using this simple method. I spread the peppers and turn them once daily, and they dry well. It takes 3-5 days to dry chilies like this.
Using thread - You can also dry it using a thread. In this case, cut the chosen peppers down the middle and string them together. Hang them in a cool, airy spot with good ventilation, out of direct sunlight. They won't need turning since they aren’t lying on a surface.
Oven Drying: Speedy Results
This method is useful if you live in a humid climate or want to dry the peppers quickly. Preheat your oven to 100°F or below 200°F. Now wash and dry the peppers and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Leave the oven door slightly open to vent the moisture inside the oven. Stir the red chilies occasionally until they become crisp. Basically, it is how fresh pepper are dried in the oven.
Dehydrator drying: the best easy way
If you have a dehydrator, it's easy to use to dry the peppers. Thinly slice the peppers and arrange them in a single layer on a dehydrator tray. Then dry at 60°F. This method is easier than air drying and oven drying. However, the best and healthiest method is air drying.
Note: You can choose one of the above methods at your convenience. However, you must wear gloves and a nose mask to avoid skin irritation while drying the chilies. Otherwise, it may harm your skin and breathing.
How long does it take to dry chilies in the sun?
The sunny weather of summer is the perfect time to dry chilies. Chilies dry well within 7 days if kept in a flat place in the sun. Store them in an airtight jar and they can be stored for over 1 year.
What is the best chili variety for drying?
You can take any variety of chili to dry and preserve. But the chili should be ripe red and of good quality. It is better not to take green chilies for drying. Green chilies cannot be dried and stored for long.
Why use dried chiles instead of fresh?
The taste of dry chilies is more intense and spicy than green chilies. If you like spicy food, you can use dry chilies. Dry red pepper is rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity. However, eating too much dry chili can cause stomach problems.