It’s essential to store dried chile peppers in the proper environment—away from light and heat—to keep them in tip-top condition for as long as possible. A dry chile is a pod packed with flavor and can deliver varying amounts of spicy fire. If they are improperly stored, they can quickly lose flavor and may even show signs of mold. With proper storage, they can remain viable to use for 1-2 years after your purchase.
Store Dried Chilies in Airtight Container
Chilies should always be stored in an airtight container. Remove them from the plastic bags they’re shipped in; these bags are not an acceptable long-term solution since they don’t guarantee an airtight seal. Your chilies should be stored in a glass or plastic jar. You can use whatever will close tightly; you can use refrigerator boxes with locking lids or canisters with rubber gaskets. You can even use Ball or mason jars since the lids are designed to create an excellent, tight fit. For an added benefit, you can look for opaque amber or green containers to help block light.
Store Dried Chilies Away from Light
No matter what storage method, keep your dry chile containers away from direct sunlight.
Sunlight can cause essential oils—the chemical compounds that give chilies their unique flavors—to become unstable and degrade in the jar. The same UV rays that give you sunburn can also break apart the chemical bonds in the oil. Depending on the properties of the oils, they could dissipate in the air as the jar is opened, leaving you with a tasteless chile. Or, they can remain in chilies, causing them to turn rancid and create unpleasant flavors in your food.
Sunlight also raises surrounding air temperature and can affect the longevity of chilies stored in the path of direct sunlight. The following section discusses the need to keep chilies cool.
Keep Dried Chilies in Cool Area or Freeze
Keep chilies in a ball jar or glass container tucked into a pantry or cupboard for optimal storage. The ideal temperature should average between 60-72°F, and humidity should be low.
While it’s tempting to store chilies in an easy-to-reach countertop spot, sunlight’s ambient heat can cause them to sweat. With an airtight seal, the sweat can’t evaporate. The moisture will remain on the chilies, which will cause mold. For this same reason, we recommend that you don’t store your chilies near your stove or oven.
Dried chilies can be kept in the freezer. Make sure to wrap each dry chile individually, so you can remove them only in the amounts you need. Chilies can be stored in the freezer for about a year, but it’s better if consumed within six months.
Inspect Dried Chilies Before Use
Always inspect chilies before use for evidence of mold or degradation before using. Chilies should be pliable and somewhat supple. Some chilies do not emit much odor—you should always know the characteristics of your chilies—but most give off a spicy, fruity smell. If chilies are not fragrant, are brittle and crack easily, look ashy, or smell moldy or mildewy, they should be disposed of.
When you purchase dried chilies, you open the door to a delicious world in your kitchen, but to get the most out of them, you need to ensure they’re stored under the proper conditions. These simple guidelines will help keep your chilies viable for 1-2 years.
Safimex company has supplying dried chillies with a good price for bulk order. If you are interested in this product, please feel free to contact us at info@safimex.co or click at https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/DRIED-SPICY-CHILI-FOOD-GRADE-BULK_10000012444116.html?spm=a2747.manage.0.0.32bf2c3clscdtq
Source: Spices Inc.
SAFIMEX JOINT STOCK COMPANY
Head Office: 216/20a Duong Ba Trac Street, Ward 2, District 8, Hochiminh City, Vietnam.
Tel: (+84)-(28)-3636 2388 | (+84)-(28)-3636 2399 | Website: https://safimex.com/
