Chili peppers, as traditional ingredients in China, have a spicy and delicious taste and are rich in nutrients, making them beloved by the public. However, many people encounter various problems when storing chili peppers. How can they be preserved to maintain their best condition? This article will detail how to store chili peppers from aspects such as selection, cleaning, drying, refrigeration, freezing, etc.
I. Choosing Fresh Chili Peppers
Selecting fresh and healthy chili peppers is the foundation for successful storage. Fresh chili peppers have clean and smooth surfaces without damage and vibrant colors. When purchasing, pay attention to observation and handle them promptly.
II. Cleaning
Rinse the purchased chili peppers thoroughly with clean water. If there are impurities like soil or sand on the surface, use a brush to clean them.
III. Drying
Drying is a traditional method of preserving chili peppers in many regions, effectively preventing mold growth. Place the cleaned chili peppers in a well-ventilated area to dry until the skin becomes hard.
IV. Oven Drying
Oven drying is a suitable method for preserving chili peppers. After sun-drying, place the chili peppers in an oven at a medium temperature to dry until they are completely dry and moisture-free.
V. Refrigeration
If you don't want to preserve them for too long, you can store chili peppers in the refrigerator. Wash and dry the chili peppers, then place them in a plastic bag and store in the fridge for 2-3 days.
VI. Freezing
Freezing is one of the most commonly used methods for preserving chili peppers. Cut the chili peppers into appropriate-sized pieces, wrap them in a plastic bag, and place them in the freezer. Note that minimizing exposure time to air is important, otherwise it will affect the texture.
VII. Chili Oil
Soak chili peppers in pure oil for a period of time, then filter out the pepper particles to make chili oil. Chili oil can be stored at room temperature and used for cooking various dishes, offering a unique flavor.
VIII. Chili Sauce
Mix chopped chili peppers, salt, vinegar, and other seasonings together, bring to a boil, then pour into a sealed bottle to make chili sauce. Chili sauce can be stored for a relatively long time and used for cooking or direct consumption.
IX. Dried Chili
Cut sun-dried chili peppers into small pieces and dry them further to make dried chili. Dried chili can be used as a seasoning or to make chili water.
X. Pickled Chili
Soak sun-dried chili peppers in an appropriate amount of brine or soy sauce to make pickled chili. Pickled chili can be stored for a long time and used in braising, stir-frying, and other dishes.
XI. Store Away from Light
Whether refrigerated or frozen, chili peppers need to be stored away from light. Because the pigments in chili peppers are easily affected by light and may fade.
XII. Use Sealed Containers
Whether storing in the refrigerator or freezer, always use containers with good sealing properties to prevent cross-contamination between chili peppers and other foods.
XIII. Avoid Contact with Water
Contact with water can easily cause mold in chili peppers, so during storage, try to avoid letting them come into contact with water.
XIV. Avoid Contact with Oxygen
Contact with oxygen can easily lead to spoilage of chili peppers, so during storage, minimize their exposure to oxygen as much as possible.
XV.
There are various methods for storing chili peppers; choosing a suitable method can help maintain their freshness and deliciousness over a long period. We hope this article helps readers better store chili peppers and enjoy the pleasure of food.