Dried chili is an ideal form of preservation of abundant crops and the use of leftovers. Dried chili has many uses when done properly. You can use it as is or rehydrate it in water. Either way, dried chilies give you additional options for making the most of this wonderful vegetable. The drying of chilies depends on several conditions, such as airflow, weather and humidity levels. Choose the method that best suits your environment to get maximum results.
Step
Step 1. Choose a quality chili to dry
Chilli that can be dried should be ripe and have the perfect color. Do not use chilies that are cut, speckled, or stained.
Step 2. Be aware that air drying techniques only work in dry climates
Trying to dry naturally in a humid climate can lead to moldy and mushy results.
Method 1 of 3: Drying Chili with the Sun
Step 1. Use a sharpened knife/sharpened knife to cut your chili in half lengthwise
Remove the seeds.
Step 2. Identify the exact time when your weather forecast says it's hot and sunny for 3 days in a row
You can use local weather channels or online weather forecasts or newspapers that provide weather forecasts.
Step 3. Place the chopped chilies face down
Place it in an aluminum pan, and place it in a place that is exposed to direct sunlight. If needed, you can also place the chili on the windowsill, although outdoors is best.
Step 4. Dry the chilies under the sun for 8 hours
Turn the chili over so the cut side is facing the sun and continue the drying process.
Step 5. By nightfall, cover your aluminum pan with a clean sheet or towel to prevent insects from invading or eating your chilies
The next day, remove the lid so your chilies can be dried further.
Step 6. Remove the dried chilies
Dried chilies are known if you can crack them easily with your fingertips. Store chili in a sealed package for later use.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Oven to Dry the Chili
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Fahrenheit or 79 degrees Celsius
For a fan-powered oven, the temperature in the oven should be 40 degrees Celsius.
Step 2. Place the chopped chilies facing the aluminum pan
Arrange so that the chili is placed in 1 layer only. Aluminum pans are best if they are covered with a tight-fitting lid, placing the chili peppers on top of the cloth.
Step 3. Put the pan in the oven
Step 4. Cook the chilies for about six to eight hours
You can flip the chilies during the cooking process, but this is not required. The chilies are completely dry when they turn brown. Remember, the drying time will depend on the size of the chili to be dried.
Method 3 of 3: Hanging Chilies
This method requires a dry air environment; if you try it in the air and an environment that is too humid, your chili will get moldy.
Step 1. Cut the long thread
You can use an apron or nylon thread, calculate the length you need depending on how many chilies you have.
Step 2. Tie the stem
Tie the chili stalks close together with twine. You can also use a large needle and glue the chili stalks together.
Step 3. Hang the chili in a ventilated room
Allow the chili to dry for at least three weeks.
Tips
- Chili can freeze well.
- Leave the door open while drying the chilies.
- You can also dry chili seeds in the same way. You can grind chili seeds using a pepper grinder or blender, and use chili peppers to season your dishes or food as you would red chili powder.
- When drying chilies in the sun, start as early as possible on the first day so that you get as much sun as possible.
- If you want to hang the chilies to dry, you will need a terrace to hang the peppers on or a well-ventilated area so that wind and air can flow freely.
- A food dryer can also be used to dry chilies. Follow the instructions for use.
- If you place an aluminum pan on top of a car or in a pickup truck, this can speed up the drying process. Both of these locations tend to be hot and the surface can heat the pan/tray from bottom to top.
