As one of the common ingredients in home-cooked dishes, chili not only enhances the flavor of the dishes but is also rich in nutritional value. When do chilis mature, what should be noted when picking them, and how to store them are all questions we need to understand.
I. The Maturity Period of Chili
Chili generally grows in conditions of high temperature, abundant sunlight, and sufficient water, and its maturity period is usually in the summer. However, the maturity period of different chili varieties varies, generally between 50-70 days.
II. The Maturation Time of Different Chili Varieties
Different varieties of chili have different maturation times. For example, common green chilies and bell peppers take about 50 days, while spicier red chilies take about 60-70 days. If you want to grow a very spicy chili variety, the maturation period may be even longer.
III. How to Determine if a Chili is Mature
To determine if a chili is mature, you mainly observe its color and texture. A mature chili will turn red or yellow and its texture will become firm and resilient. An immature chili is green, feels quite hard, and has a slightly raw taste.
IV. The Best Time to Harvest Chili
The best time to harvest chili is in the morning or evening, when the temperature is lower and will not affect the quality of the chili. At the same time, it's best to rinse the chilis with clean water before picking, which is beneficial for storage.
V. What to Note When Harvesting?
When harvesting, pay attention to the firmness and color of the chili, choosing to pick the mature ones. During the harvesting process, avoid using excessive force to crush the chili to prevent affecting its quality.
VI. How to Store Chili?
There are several ways to store chili. One method is to dry the chili in a dry, ventilated place, and then bag or place it in a container after it has dried. You can also slice or shred the chili and store it in the refrigerator.
VII. How to Preserve the Texture of Chili?
If you want to preserve the texture of chili, you can choose to dry it in a sunny place until its surface turns golden yellow or red, and then bag or store it in a container. This method can preserve the texture and nutritional value of the chili.
VIII. How to Make Chili Sauce?
Chili sauce is a very common condiment. To make it, you first need to clean the chili, remove the stems, seeds, and white parts, then chop it and set it aside. Next, put the chopped chili in a pot to heat, add appropriate seasonings such as salt, sugar, and vinegar, and after cooking, you can bottle it for storage.
IX. How to Make Chili Oil?
To make chili oil, you first need to chop the clean chili, then add a certain proportion of cooking oil, and bring it to a boil. After cooking, pour the chili oil into a container, and once it cools down, you can start to eat it.
X. The Nutritional Components of Chili
Chili is rich in nutritional components such as vitamin C, carotene, calcium, and iron, among which the vitamin C content is particularly abundant. At the same time, chili also contains capsaicin and other components, which have effects such as refreshing the mind and promoting digestion.
XI. The Medicinal Value of Chili
Chili is not just an ingredient; it also has many medicinal values. For example, chili can promote metabolism, improve human immunity, and help prevent respiratory diseases such as colds and bronchitis.
XII. Chili and Health
Consuming chili in moderation is beneficial to the human body, but excessive consumption can easily lead to problems such as mouth ulcers and gastrointestinal irritation. When eating chili, it is necessary to control the amount and pay attention to your personal constitution.
XIII. Chili Food Recommendations
In our daily lives, we can use chili with various ingredients to create a variety of delicious dishes. For example, Malatang, Boiled Fish, Braised Pork, etc., are all popular foods that people love.
XIV. The Cultural Origins of Chili
Chili is not only widely used in the culinary world but is also inextricably linked to many cultural origins. For example, Sichuan hot pot in China, Indian curry, Mexican chili sauce, etc., are all representative works of chili culture.
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As people's awareness of health improves, chili has gradually become an indispensable part of people's dining tables. Understanding the knowledge related to chili's maturity period, harvesting, and storage methods can help us better enjoy the deliciousness and nutrition of chili.