How to Dehydrate Hot Peppers
I love all things spicy (as evidenced by our series of hot pepper posts and review of 12 different types of them).
Sunday was a day to do some experimental preservation and dehydration – some of it worked our great, others flopped. Our hot peppers were great, fast and easy.
Once the peppers were cut into rings (we used a mandolin for the most part and switched to a knife at the ends as I wanted the seeds), the process was almost done.
They went into the dehydrator at 140 degrees (ferenheit) and were done in 2-3 hours (by which time the sun had set and I couldn’t get a good photo). I would slightly decrease the temperature (would try around 130) next time and leave for a bit longer.
240 grams of pepper flesh went into the dehydrator – 36 grams came out. In different context, 16 hot peppers now take less than 1 cup of space in our pantry. It continues to amaze me how much water is contained within our food.
Comments
I too just finished a process of dehydrating Hot Peppers. I used a variety mixed together. I however de-headed, cut them in half, lengthwise, and left the seeds. My drying time was much longer, about 12 hours in a machine at a lower temperature.
They turned out great! What was 5 trays of peppers, all stored in a quart jar, after they were dehydrated. I plan to use some of them by crushing them into pepper flakes and can a Thai dipping sauce.
I really enjoy your posts. I also, continue to learn little “tricks” of the Trade from your works and writings.
Keep up the Good Work.
Pryor Jones
I dried tomatoes in the oven on the weekend. I really want a food dehydrator. Which do you have?
We have a large Excaliber unit – if you’re tinking of getting a dehydrator, we wrote a pretty comprehensive post on things to consider: http://wellpreserved.ca/2010/05/22/thinking-of-buying-a-dehydrator-some-considerations/
You may also want to check craigslist
Let us know if that helps or if you need any more info or details – would be pleased to help
Note: we were surprised how much heat is added to the house
J
I compost, and manage a monster compost project. It always amazes people how little dirt their food scraps produce, one the water’s all cooked out.
Thanks, Joel. I almost asked if you have the Excalibur.
A friend recently found a dehydrator (don’t know what make) on Freecycle. That’s one hell of a score. I occasionally check out Craigslist. Upaya Naturals currently has the small one on sale for $150.
(http://www.upayanaturals.com/Excalibur_Dehydrators_s/47.htm)
I got my Vitamix as a gift so I guess I could invest in an Excalibur.
Will check out that post.
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Every year I take advantage of the variety of peppers we grow here in CA. We dry them in the oven and make pepper flakes for table use. They are so tasty!