Q&A for How to Dry Chilies

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  • Question
    Can I dry green chillies?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but keep in mind that green chilies do not dry well. I would recommend using a food dehydrator if you want to dry them though.
  • Question
    Can I dry them in a greenhouse? My greenhouse is made of plastic sheets, so it's very hot inside.
    Community Answer
    Absolutely! Your chilies will dry even faster inside your greenhouse.
  • Question
    What happens if I dry chillies without slicing them in half and removing seeds?
    Caeiia
    Top Answerer
    Not much will happen, but you may need to dry it out more, and prepare for a spicier pepper. Cutting it lets the moisture evaporate easily, and the seeds usually contain the most spice. Make sure you dry them in a hot, dry place.
  • Question
    Do they have to be hanging in front of light, or can they stay in my office where there isn't much sunshine coming in?
    Caeiia
    Top Answerer
    It's best for hot, dry sunlight/heat to come in. If your environment is just warm/cool, the peppers might just get a bit soft or even moldy, as there's not enough heat to dry them properly.
  • Question
    After drying the peppers, can I use the seeds to grow more peppers?
    Community Answer
    As long as they're not dried in the oven, sure!
  • Question
    Can I touch dried chilies without the burning sting?
    Community Answer
    Generally it's okay to handle dried chilies with your hands but it is always a good idea to wear gloves when handling hot peppers, especially when cutting them. If you have open cuts or you touch your face with you fingers after handling cut chilies, you will feel pain, regardless of whether or not they're fresh or dried.
  • Question
    Are these chilies meant to be dried out before they can be consumed?
    Community Answer
    Chilies can be enjoyed fresh or dried. Drying is a way to preserve chilies for a longer time.
  • Question
    Can I freeze my chilies? How long will they last?
    Community Answer
    You can freeze whole habaneros that last season to season. Just rinse with cold water and allow to dry completely. Then just use Ziplock freezer bags.
  • Question
    Can I put chilies in a microwave to dry them?
    Community Answer
    That will overheat them, the microwave can't control temperature very well. You may end up with scorched chillies but you will definitely alter the flavor.
  • Question
    If I am in a cool climate like the UK with a late crop, can I just place a space heater in front of them? (With and without removing seeds). I want to hang them so they can continue ripening a bit.
    Torpi
    Top Answerer
    Unlike some fruit, chillies/peppers don't continue to ripen after being picked, so this won't work. Additionally, space heaters create humidity, so you can't hang-dry them in front of a space heater either way.
  • Question
    Can you grind up dried chilies to make chili powder?
    Community Answer
    Yes. That is exactly how dried chili powder is made. First dried and then ground up.
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