Learn how to dehydrate peppers to preserve their bold flavors. This guide covers everything for dehydrating peppers from selecting the right peppers to choosing the best drying method. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade dried peppers year-round.
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I've started a fall tradition on our homestead that's been working really well for us -- picking every last pepper in the garden just before our first frost. Peppers are so slow growing in my 6B garden zone.
I start peppers from seed in the greenhouse late February, then transplant them outside mid May. I know all of the tricks for growing peppers (read my guide & best tips here), the best potting soil for peppers, and how to tend to them as they grow throughout the summer.
But even with all of this TLC, it's usually late September before my pepper plants really pick up speed and start producing abundantly. I get to enjoy the harvest for a few weeks before we end up with the chilly night time temps abruptly halting the season.
Rather than leave not-quite mature peppers outside to their fate, I harvest them all.
Chili peppers, sweet bell peppers, hot peppers and everything in between! Even if the size of your peppers aren't quite where you'd hoped, odds are they will still make really good dehydrated peppers. All different types of peppers can be dehydrated!
If you want to try dehydrating peppers, I'll walk you through the process step-by-step! It's a very easy and minimal-effort kind of preservation method.
I'll explain how to prep the fresh peppers, different methods for drying peppers, how long it takes to dry peppers, and finally how the size of the peppers can affect the end result.
Ready? Let's do it!
Choosing the Right Peppers for Dehydrating
While I just told you that I end the year with an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink dehydrator full of a lot of peppers, there are a few things that you should know about how the characteristics you choose will affect the outcome.
- Variety: Choose peppers with thick flesh and vibrant color. Popular options include bell peppers, jalapeños, sweet peppers, and other chili varieties.
- Ripeness: Opt for fully ripe peppers for the best flavor and sweetness. Avoid overripe or damaged peppers.
- Size and Shape: Consider the desired end product when choosing pepper size and shape. For example, long peppers can be dried whole, while larger peppers may require slicing.
- Heat Level: Select hot peppers with the desired heat level based on your culinary preferences.
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Helpful tools
To successfully dehydrate your peppers, consider investing in the following tools:
- Dehydrator:This appliance provides optimal temperature and airflow for efficient drying. I use an Excalibur 3900 with 9 trays and love it.
- Baking Sheets: If using an oven, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or silicon mats for easy cleanup.
- Drying Racks: For air drying, use drying racks, also called a cooling rack, or construct a simple drying setup with string or fishing line.
- Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for preparing peppers before dehydrating.
- Paper Towels: For removing excess moisture from peppers.
- Gloves: Trust me on this one- gloves are the best way to handle all peppers, but especially hotter peppers! The oils from the peppers will soak into your skin and linger for hours or even days.
Preparing Peppers for Dehydration
- Choose firm, ripe peppers free from blemishes. Wash peppers thoroughly under cold running water.
- Put on your gloves! Cut peppers in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and core. For smaller peppers, you can leave them whole.
- Depending on your desired end product, you may want to slice peppers into rings, strips, or smaller pepper pieces.
- Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the peppers. This helps in the dehydration process.
Dehydration Methods for Peppers
Oven Dehydration
- Preheat your oven to the lowest setting, typically around 135-150°F (57-65°C). My oven, as well as many newer ovens, don't have a setting this low. This might not be an option for you, depending on your oven.
- Drying time can vary depending on the thickness of the peppers and your oven, but it usually takes several hours.
- Check on the peppers periodically and rotate the baking sheet for even drying.
Dehydrator
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your dehydrator, but a temperature around 135°F (57°C) is common. I use an Excalibur Dehydrator 3900 and absolutely love it. It's very primitive and simple, no fancy computerized components.
- It's a good idea to place your dehydrator outside, if possible. I like to move mine out to the deck while the dehydrating process happens. If you choose to do this in your kitchen, BEWARE! You will likely experience burning eyes during the drying process.
- Drying time will vary depending on the size of the peppers and the dehydrator model.
- Dehydrators provide consistent airflow and temperature, resulting in even drying.
Air Drying
- This method works best in dry, warm climates with good airflow.
- String whole peppers or slice them and place them on drying racks.
- Air drying can take several days to weeks, depending on the weather conditions.
- Protect the peppers from insects, dust, and moisture.
Storage
- Store dried peppers in an airtight glass jar or container to protect them from moisture, light, and air. I grind mine into a spice blend or powder, using a coffee grinder or food processor, and store them in an airtight jar.
- Choose a cool, dark location, such as a pantry or cupboard, to store your dried peppers. Avoid areas exposed to heat or direct sunlight.
- For long-term storage or to maintain optimal flavor, consider freezing dried peppers. Place them in airtight freezer bags and store in the freezer. Personally, I never freeze my dehydrated peppers. It just seems unnecessary for the ways that I use them in cooking.
How Long Does It Take to Dehydrate Peppers?
Generally, you can expect:
- Dehydrator: 8-12 hours
- Oven: 6-24 hours
- Air Drying: Several days to weeks
The drying time for peppers varies based on several factors:
- Dehydration Method: Dehydrators are typically the fastest, followed by oven drying and air drying.
- Pepper Thickness: Thicker peppers or whole peppers take longer to dry than thinner peppers or small peppers.
- Humidity Levels: High humidity can extend drying times.
- Temperature: Lower temperatures require longer drying times.
Serving Suggestions for Dried Peppers
Dried peppers are incredibly versatile and can elevate the flavor of countless dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Rehydrate dried peppers in hot water or broth to use in recipes like soups, stews, and chili.
- Grind dried peppers into a powder, or textured blend, to create a custom pepper blend for rubs, marinades or seasonings. I've been adding dehydrated peppers to my wheels of cheddar cheese and it is phenomenal! It is so handy to keep a spice jar of fine powder or minced dehydrated peppers if someone in your house loves spicy foods!
- Make an infused oil by steeping dried peppers in olive oil for several weeks. This makes a really good dip for homemade sourdough bread!
- Combine dried peppers with sugar, vinegar, and pectin to make a pepper jelly!
FAQ
Properly dried peppers should be leathery and brittle to the touch. There should be no flexibility or moisture when bent. A fully dehydrated pepper should snap cleanly when broken. The pepper's color should be deep and concentrated, without any signs of green or soft spots. If your peppers are not fully dried, return them to the dehydrator for additional time. Over drying can result in a burnt or bitter taste.
Yes, green bell peppers can be dehydrated. However, their flavor may be milder compared to red or yellow varieties.
The drying time for peppers in the oven can vary depending on the thickness of the slices, oven temperature, and humidity. It typically takes between 6 to 24 hours.
Yes, a food dehydrator is an excellent tool for dehydrating peppers. It provides consistent heat and airflow, resulting in evenly dried peppers.
How do I store dried peppers?
Store dried peppers in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place. For long-term storage, consider freezing them.
Yes, dried peppers can be rehydrated by soaking them in hot water or broth for several minutes. Use rehydrated peppers in recipes where you'd use a fresh pepper.
Red pepper flakes are typically made from a combination of dried red chili peppers, including cayenne peppers. Other peppers like ancho, jalapeño, and bell peppers may also be used in varying proportions to achieve a specific heat level and flavor profile
More about dehydrating
Preserving food by dehydrating is one of the simplest and most cost effective methods! I recommend starting with the post How to Use a Food Dehydrator. Here is my category page where you'll find more posts about preserving food.
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