How To Dry Peppers

Peppers are great spices to just add to the delight of a mouthwatering dish. It is quite easy to grow peppers and there are various types of peppers that you can choose from if you choose to grow them yourself. Some peppers can be extremely hot, and there are others, that are sweet. The colors of peppers vary, as do their taste. However, the unchangeable truth is that peppers are great spices. If you have had a good bounty, you can preserve your peppers through winter by drying them. Drying peppers preserves their flavor and prevents them from getting spoiled. There are different methods of drying peppers, and the method you choose defines how much of the original taste of the pepper will be retained. After completely drying out the peppers, these can be stored in a zipped plastic bag or in an airtight container. You can grind some of the dried peppers and use them as an ingredient in soups during the winter months. Below are some methods of drying peppers. Just remember to wash the peppers with running water before you begin the process of drying them.

Best Ways To Dry Peppers

Oven

Cut the peppers into halves.
Remove the stem, membranes and seeds from each half.
Take baking sheets and lay the peppers with the cut side down in single layers on the baking sheets.
Set the oven to 135 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving the oven door slightly open to let air circulate.
Ensure even drying by turning over the peppers periodically.
Once the peppers are completely dry, remove them from the oven and store.

Air

In the case of air drying your peppers, you will not need to cut them and will need to leave the stems attached.
String the peppers together using strong thread and a needle. When threading the peppers together, leave enough space between each pepper for air to circulate freely.
Hang the stringed peppers in a dry, warm place, in direct sunlight for best results.
Turn the peppers over periodically so that they will be uniformly exposed to sunlight.
Leave to dry for a few weeks until the peppers are completely dry.

Dehydrator

Cut the peppers into halves.
Remove the stem, membranes, and seeds from each half.
Take dehydrator screens and lay the peppers with the cut side down in single layers on these dehydrator screens.
Set the dehydrator in an area that is well ventilated, since the fumes can make your eyes water if kept in closed locations. If possible, take the dehydrator outdoors.
Set the dehydrator at 100 degrees Fahrenheit and let the peppers sit in it for many days while you periodically check to see how the drying is progressing. The drying process is done once the peppers are very dry.

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