Drying and Dehydrating Peppers – 3 Different Methods
Peppers are a staple in many cuisines from around the world, and there are countless varieties to choose from. Whether you like them sweet or spicy, fresh or roasted, bell peppers or jalapeños, there’s a pepper out there for everyone. And while fresh peppers are great, sometimes you want something with a little more flavor – like dried or dehydrated peppers.Peppers are a versatile ingredient that can be used in so many different dishes. But sometimes, you may need to dry or dehydrate them first. Here are three different methods you can use to dry or dehydrate your peppers.
Drying and dehydrating peppers is a great way to preserve them so that you can enjoy them year-round. Plus, the drying process intensifies their flavor, so they pack a bigger punch than fresh peppers. Here are three different ways that you can dry and dehydrate your own hot peppers at home.
#1 Air-Drying Peppers
One of the simplest ways to dry peppers is to let the sun do the work for you. This is the most traditional method and it doesn’t require any special equipment. All you need is a sunny, well-ventilated spot. String your peppers up by the stem using thin twine or thread, and then hang them up to dry. It can take several weeks for them to fully dry, so be patient! All you need is a sunny day and a place to hang your peppers where they’ll get good airflow. If you’re using small peppers like chili peppers, you can string them up on a piece of thread or fishing line. For larger peppers, like bell peppers or poblanos, you can use skewers or toothpicks to secure them to a clothesline or drying rack.
Place your prepared peppers in direct sunlight for 4-6 hours, or until they’re completely dried out. Once they’re done, remove them from the sun and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to use them.
#2 Oven-Drying Peppers
If it’s not sunny enough outside (or if you just don’t want to wait all day for your peppers to dry), you can also dry them in your oven. This method is faster than air drying, but it does require you to have an oven with good ventilation. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting and then place the peppers on a wire rack. Make sure the peppers are not touching each other, as they need room to circulate air. Dry them in the oven until they’re shrunken and leathery.
Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (usually between 170-200 degrees Fahrenheit) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your prepared peppers on the lined baking sheet and put them in the oven.
Check on your peppers every 30 minutes or so to make sure they’re not cooking instead of drying – you want them to be papery dry but still retain their color and shape. Depending on the size of your peppers and how low your oven temperature is set, it will take 2-4 hours for them to be fully dried out. Remove them from the oven when they’re done and store them in an airtight container as described above.
#3 Dehydrator Method
The final method is dehydrating. This method requires special equipment in the form of a food dehydrator. If you don’t have one, you can often find them at kitchen supply stores or online retailers. Dehydrating works by circulating hot air over the peppers to remove all the moisture content. Depending on how thick your slices are, this process can take anywhere from 4-12 hours. If you have a dehydrator at home (you can usually find one at your local kitchen goods store), then this is by far the quickest way to dry out your peppers. Simply prepare your peppers as described above and then place them on the dehydrator trays – no need to worry about lining them with anything first. Set your dehydrator to 135 degrees Fahrenheit and let it run until the peppers are completely dried out (this will take 4-6 hours depending on the size of your peppers). Store your dried peppers in an airtight container as described above until you’re ready to use them.
Drying and dehydrating hot peppers is a great way to preserve them so that you can enjoy their flavor year-round. The drying process also intensifies their flavor, so they pack a bigger punch than fresh peppers. There are several different ways that you can dry and dehydrate your own hot peppers at home, including sun-drying, oven-drying, or using a dehydrator. Whichever method you choose, simply hang or place your prepared peppers somewhere where they’ll get good airflow and let nature (or your oven) do its work! Drying and dehydrating peppers is a great way to preserve them for later use. All three of these methods will work, but it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs and situation. If you have the time, go for the traditional air-drying method. If you’re short on time, oven drying or dehydrating will work just as well.
