Chili peppers are a commonly used spice in many households, but many people don’t know how to properly store them, leading to dried-out or spoiled peppers. Here’s a trick to keep your chilies fresh and juicy, just like they were freshly picked.

Types of Chili Peppers

There are various types of chili peppers, such as bird’s eye chili, okra chili, green chili, and horn chili. Proper storage of fresh chilies is something that many home cooks are concerned about. Storing chilies in the refrigerator’s regular compartment can make them dry out quickly or turn mushy. Dried chilies lose their flavor, while spoiled ones become unusable.

How to Store Fresh Chili Peppers for Long-Lasting Freshness

Step 1: Dry the Chilies

When you buy the chilies, place them in a basket or colander to dry off any excess water. Chilies that are wet tend to spoil faster. Discard any that are rotten or damaged. Avoid using bruised peppers as they can cause the others to spoil more quickly.

Step 2: Trim the Stems

Remove any wilted or damaged peppers. If the stems of the peppers are too long, use scissors to shorten them, leaving only a small part at the top of the chili. Long stems can touch each other and cause scratches, speeding up the spoiling process. However, don’t remove the stem entirely as that could cause the chili's tip to spoil quickly and allow bacteria to enter.

Step 3: Store in a Plastic Bottle

Pour enough vegetable oil into a clean, dry plastic bottle to coat the chilies evenly. Then, place the chilies into the bottle, ensuring they are well-covered by the oil. Close the cap tightly and store the bottle in the fridge. This method can preserve the chilies for up to six months without losing moisture, drying out, or spoiling. The plastic bottle helps prevent water evaporation, while the oil creates a protective layer to keep the chilies moist. You can keep them in the fridge for 1-2 months without worrying about them going bad or drying out.

Freezing Method for Long-Term Storage

Step 1: Prepare the Chilies

Remove any rotten or damaged chilies to avoid contaminating the rest.

Step 2: Remove the Stems

Remove the stems from the chilies to save space in the freezer. After removing the stems, wash and dry the chilies thoroughly.

Step 3: Store in a Ziplock Bag

Place the cleaned chilies into a food-safe ziplock bag or storage container and seal it tightly. Then, put the bag in the freezer. With this method, the chilies will remain firm and juicy for up to a year. When you need to use them, take them out of the freezer, and they will freeze solid. Simply use a knife or scissors to cut them and drop them into a dipping sauce or dish, and they won’t lose their texture or release excess water.

If you store the chilies in the refrigerator’s regular compartment, they will either spoil due to excess moisture or dry out, losing their flavor. Dried chilies don't provide the same fragrance or taste as fresh ones in dips or dishes.