Red chillies are a staple ingredient in many cuisines. Their vibrant color and spicy heat instantly elevate dishes. However fresh chillies only last about a week when stored in the refrigerator. For chilli lovers who cook frequently or buy in bulk when prices are low, learning proper storage methods to extend the shelf life of fresh chillies is essential. This comprehensive guide covers simple techniques for storing red chillies and keeping them fresh for months not just days.
Overview of Storing Red Chillies Long Term
Red chillies purchased fresh from the grocery store or harvested from your garden need specialized storage conditions to maintain quality and freshness longer term. Here are some key factors to consider:
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Fresh chillies last 5-7 days when refrigerated in a plastic bag, Their shelf life can be stretched much longer with proper handling
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Preventing moisture loss is crucial to avoiding shriveling. But excess moisture promotes mold growth.
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Drying fresh chillies extends shelf life significantly but sacrifices some texture. Frozen chillies keep longer but also soften over time.
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Whole chillies keep better than sliced. But ground chilli powder stores very well in an airtight container.
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For long term storage, freezing, dehydrating, pickling, and infusing into oil are proven methods.
Follow the techniques below to enjoy fresh, flavorful chillies for months past harvest or purchase.
Storing Fresh Chillies Short Term
Before exploring long term storage, let’s review how to maximize shelf life for fresh chillies over the short term:
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Choose unbruised, firm chillies without shriveling or mold. Avoid any with soft spots.
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Store unwashed chillies loose in the crisper drawer, not in plastic bags that trap moisture.
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If chillies were purchased in a perforated plastic container, you can reuse this in the fridge.
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Wrap chillies loosely in a dry paper towel to absorb any condensation and prevent drying out.
With ideal conditions like these, you can enjoy peak freshness from red chillies for up to a week before quality declines.
Freezing Chillies for Multi-Month Storage
Freezing chillies is one of the simplest ways to store a large batch long term while preserving flavor and spice. Follow these steps:
Supplies Needed
- Freezer bags, plastic wrap, or freezer-safe containers
- Clean paper towels
- Permanent marker for labeling
Steps for Freezing Chillies
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Select fresh, firm chillies free of blemishes, bruises, and mold. Wash if needed.
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Pat dry completely with paper towels. Wet chillies will freeze into a solid block.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it. Spread washed chillies in a single layer.
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Place uncovered chillies in freezer for 1-2 hours until frozen solid.
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Transfer frozen chillies to labeled freezer bags/containers, removing air.
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Return to freezer. Store frozen chillies up to 10-12 months.
Freezing locks in the oils that deliver heat and extends shelf life significantly. Frozen chillies work great for salsa, curries, chili, etc. Thaw before use.
Drying Chillies for Long Term Spice
Drying transforms fresh chillies into shelf-stable dried spices. Follow these steps:
Supplies Needed
- Clean paper towels
- Drying rack or oven
- String or twine
Steps for Drying Chillies
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Pat chillies very dry with a paper towel. Remove stems for faster drying.
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Arrange in single layer on a drying rack or baking sheet.
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Place in 200°F oven or dehydrator for 6-10 hours, flipping halfway.
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For air drying, tie in bunches and hang in a warm, dry indoor spot with good airflow for 1-2 weeks.
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When completely dried, store whole, crumbled, or as powder.
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Store in airtight containers out of sunlight for up to 1 year.
Dried chillies are great for spice rubs, chilli powder, or rehydrating in stews. Remove seeds first for milder heat.
Pickling Chillies for a Tangy, Spicy Condiment
Quick pickling red chillies in vinegar preserves them for months in the refrigerator:
Supplies Needed
- Glass jar with tight-fitting lid
- White or apple cider vinegar
- Filtered water
- Pickling spices (dill, peppercorn, garlic, etc.)
Steps for Pickling Chillies
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Sterilize jar in boiling water for 10 minutes. Wash chillies. Pat very dry.
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In a saucepan, bring vinegar, water, and spices to a boil then simmer 5 minutes.
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Pack washed chillies into hot, sterilized jar. Pour over hot vinegar mixture to cover.
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Seal jar and refrigerate 12-24 hours before eating pickled chillies.
Refrigerate pickled chillies up to 6 months. Use within 1 week once opened.
The vinegar preserves the chillies for extended fridge storage while adding tangy flavor. Enjoy as a sandwich topper.
Infusing Chillies in Oil for Lasting Heat
Infusing dried or fresh chillies in oil creates a shelf-stable, spicy condiment:
Supplies Needed
- Glass jar with lid or cork stopper
- Olive oil or neutral oil like grapeseed
- Clean, very dry chillies
Steps for Infusing Chillies in Oil
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Wash and dry chillies thoroughly. Pack loosely into a glass jar.
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Pour in oil to cover chillies fully. Seal lid tightly.
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Store in a cool, dark place for 2-6 weeks, shaking gently occasionally.
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Taste oil after 2 weeks. Continue infusing until desired heat level is reached.
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Strain out chillies. Store infused oil in the fridge up to 6 months.
The spicy oils beautifully enhance vinaigrettes, pizza, spicy mayo, etc.
Ground Chilli Powder for Maximum Convenience
Grinding dried chillies into powder distills flavor and heat into an intensely hot, vibrant seasoning.
Supplies Needed
- Dried red chillies
- Electric coffee grinder or mortar and pestle
- Glass jar with tight lid
Steps for Making Ground Chilli Powder
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Remove stems and seeds from dried chillies if less heat is desired.
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Grind chillies into a fine powder with an electric grinder or mortar and pestle.
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Sift powder through a sieve to remove any large pieces.
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Transfer finely ground powder to a clean, dry glass jar. Seal tightly.
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Store powder in a cool, dark place up to 1 year.
Ground chilli powder concentrates the potent oils into one easy-to-use, intensely flavored seasoning perfect for spicing up chili, curries, tacos, and more.
Troubleshooting Chilli Storage Issues
With proper storage methods, you can keep chillies for months past their short shelf life. However, potential problems can arise:
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Mold growth – Ensure chillies are completely dry before storage. Discard any with mold.
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Shriveling – Use an airtight container and minimize air exposure. Add a damp paper towel.
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Loss of flavor/heat – Store chillies for less than 1 year maximum to retain potency.
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Soft texture – Avoid storing cut chillies which deteriorate faster. Use whole chillies within 5-7 days.
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Freezer burn – Use freezer bags/containers that seal tightly with minimal air.
With attentive troubleshooting, your stored chillies should retain their characteristic bold color, crunchy texture, and intense spicy kick for months of enjoyment.
Get the Most from Your Red Chilli Harvest
Growing or buying red chillies in bulk when in season means properly storing them to keep their fresh flavor and heat. Follow these tips:
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Refrigerate fresh chillies properly to optimize short term shelf life.
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Freeze, dry, pickle, or infuse whole chillies in oil for long term storage.
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Grind dried chillies into powder to concentrate shelf life and flavor.
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Promptly troubleshoot any issues with shriveling, mold, or softening.
With the proper handling, storage, and preservation techniques, you can savor the summer’s bountiful chilli harvest all year round. Just be cautious when reintroducing older chillies to your meals, as the spicy heat tends to intensify over time!
3 ways to preserve chillies
Preserve chillies this summer so you can add them to dishes all year round!
1. Dried If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to preserve chillies then the drying method is for you! Simply place whole chillies on a baking tray and heat in your oven at the lowest temperature until dry. Alternatively, with a NEFF oven you can use the ‘low temperature cooking’ or ‘drying’ function. Once they’ve shrivelled and darkened in colour, you know they’re ready. Remove from the oven and set aside at room temperature to cool, before storing them in an airtight container.
For popular chillies recipes and tips visit:
2. Salted All you need for this preserve is 2 ingredients, 250g fresh chillies and 40g salt. Simply wash and pat dry your chillies, cut off the tops then roughly chop, keeping the seeds in. Next mix the chopped chillies with 30g salt and place in a sterilised glass jar. Cover the surface with remaining salt then seal the jar and store in a cool, dry place for a couple of weeks before refrigerating. Now you have salted chillies ready to add to any dish for a little extra heat!
3. Pickled Pickled chillies are fragrant and delicious to serve on their own or as part of a share platter. For this recipe you will need a jar of medium sized chillies like jalapeño or serrano and a brine liquid to pour over the top.
Ingredients: 250g chillies 100g water 100ml white vinegar 1/2 tsp sugar 1/2 tbsp salt 1 tsp coriander seeds 1 tsp peppercorns
Firstly wash your chillies and pierce the surface sparingly using a pin. Then heat water, vinegar, sugar, salt, coriander seeds and peppercorns until the sugar and salt dissolves but before the vinegar boils. Pack chillies in a jar, pour hot brine over the chillies, seal and leave in a cool, dry place. After a week, you may need to top up the liquid with some more vinegar mixture to avoid oxidation.
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3 ways to preserve chillies
FAQ
How to make red chilies last longer?
Drying chillies is a simple and effective way to preserve them, concentrating their natural heat and enhancing their flavour for use in a variety of dishes.Jul 18, 2024
How to store dry chili for a long time?
We often recommend storing dried peppers in airtight containers. This is because an airtight container prevents the dried pepper from losing its flavor.
How many days red chillies can be stored?
Red chili peppers would be stored for 30 days when stored in MA conditions(0.03 mm PE film bag) and for 60 days when srored in CA condition on O 2%, CO 10% …Oct 22, 2024
How do you store fresh red chillies?
One of the best ways to store fresh red chillies is in the refrigerator. Proper refrigeration slows down spoilage and keeps the chillies crispy. Start with healthy, blemish-free chillies. Avoid those with signs of wilting or mold. Wrap the chillies in a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and place them in an airtight container.
Can chillies be stored for a long time?
If you want to store chillies for a longer time, you can consider preserving them. There are several methods to do this: Drying: This is one of the most common methods used to preserve chillies. You can air-dry them, sun-dry, or use a dehydrator or an oven. Freezing: Chillies can be frozen with or without their stems and seeds.
How long do Red Chillies last?
Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. Frozen chillies can last up to 6 months and are perfect for cooking without defrosting. Dried red chillies are a pantry staple, offering a concentrated flavor perfect for many dishes. Air Drying: Hang the chillies in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight until they are completely dry.
How do you extend the shelf life of chillies?
Pickling is another fantastic way to extend the shelf life of chillies while adding a tangy flavor. Prepare jars by sterilizing them in boiling water. Slice the chillies to your desired thickness. Combine vinegar, salt, and sugar in a pot, then add any spices you prefer. Bring to a boil, then pour over the sliced chillies in the jars.
How long do dried chillies last?
You can usually keep fresh chillies for 7 days in the fridge. To store chillies properly in the fridge, keep them in the salad chiller in a bag or plastic container. If any of the chillies have damage marks on them remove them, or you will reduce the life of those you are storing next to them. How long are dried chillies good for?
How long do chillies last in the fridge?
It’s perfect for jazzing up just about anything!. Chillies are a beloved ingredient in cuisines around the world. Their heat and flavor can transform dishes from bland to bold. However, fresh chillies have a short shelf life and will only last about a week in the fridge. Preserving chillies is an easy way to enjoy their flavor year-round.