Chili peppers are commonly used to enhance the natural flavors of other ingredients in a dish, helping to balance and enrich the overall taste. The spiciness of chili can stimulate the palate, creating excitement and enthusiasm while enjoying the meal. Besides flavoring, chili peppers may also provide health benefits. They contain capsaicin, a potent compound that can positively affect cardiovascular health and the digestive system.
As the weather turns colder, if you crave something with a rich flavor, using chili peppers can make your dishes much more appealing. Varieties like bird’s eye chili or horned chili, with their vibrant colors, add a delicious touch to many meals. When purchasing chili for cooking, many people tend to buy just a few to last through their meals, but it can be inconvenient to go out and buy more when needed. If you buy too many and store them in the refrigerator, they often dry out or spoil quickly.
Chili peppers bought in excess without proper storage can quickly wilt or rot.
How to Store Chili Peppers Fresh for Six Months
To keep fresh chili peppers for a long time, you need to pay attention to how you select good peppers right from the start. When choosing bird’s eye or horned chili peppers, select those that are fresh, brightly colored, and firm. The stems should be thick and green, and when you touch them, the peppers should feel hard, not soft. This indicates that you have freshly picked chili peppers, which can retain their best flavor when stored properly.
Whether you buy chili peppers at the supermarket or at the farmers’ market, it’s essential to choose beautiful, fresh peppers yourself. Sometimes, farm-grown chili peppers may not look as perfect or shiny as those in supermarkets, but they are usually safer and cheaper.
The secret to keeping chili peppers fresh for a long time is not to place them directly in the refrigerator.
Freshly bought chili peppers should not be placed directly in the refrigerator.
After purchasing, wash the chili peppers thoroughly with water and let them dry completely. To preserve them for an extended period, remember that chili peppers should not be wet; otherwise, they will mold and spoil quickly, even if stored in the refrigerator. Thus, during the cleaning process, you should also remove any damaged or wilted peppers to prevent moisture from causing spoilage.
Remove damaged chili peppers to prevent moisture absorption during washing.
Once the chili peppers are dry, use scissors to trim part of the stem, leaving only a small piece near the top. This method not only preserves the peppers but also makes it easier to store them without taking up too much space.
Use plastic bottles to store chili peppers in the refrigerator.
Use clean mineral water bottles to ensure they are dry. After that, place the washed chili peppers in a small bowl and add a tablespoon or two of cooking oil. Mix thoroughly so that a thin layer of oil coats the peppers. Then, place the chili peppers into the bottles, not packing them tightly, just enough to fill them comfortably.
Cooking oil will help keep chili peppers fresh longer.
Finally, screw the caps tightly and store the bottles of chili peppers in the refrigerator; they will remain fresh for up to six months. If you plan to use the peppers within one to two months, it is fine to keep them in the refrigerator’s vegetable compartment, and you can take them out just before use without needing to remove them too far in advance. This way, the peppers will maintain their color and crispness, enhancing the flavor of your dishes.
With this method of storing fresh chili peppers, you won’t need to buy too many. Just purchase enough to last for 1-2 months. Once you run out, you can buy more to ensure the best flavor.
This simple and cost-effective method of storing fresh chili peppers can be tried anytime to have readily available chili, especially during occasions like Lunar New Year, when chili is often needed for cooking and decorating dishes.
