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Spicy exchange / 2023

Overflowing garden? How to preserve peppers 6 different ways

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Why preserve peppers?

Pepper plants can yield bountiful harvests that often surpass what we can use in the short term. Because of this, you might find yourself with an abundance of peppers begging to be preserved.

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Free pepper growing guide

Not sure where to start? I've put together a 34-page guide to help you grow an abundant harvest.

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Drying, an age-old preservation method, has stood the test of time as a straightforward and effective way to extend the shelf life of chili peppers. Throughout the centuries, people have harnessed the power of air and sunlight to naturally dry these fiery gems.

Drying

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Freezing

Freezing peppers is a highly effective preservation method, allowing you to enjoy their flavors for 9-10 months, bridging the gap to your next harvest. Unlike many veggies, you don’t have to blanch peppers before freezing, making it extremely convenient and easy.

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Freeze-drying is a newer method of preservation, impressively extending the shelf life of your peppers up to 25 years. This meticulous process impeccably preserves your produce’s nutritional content while maintaining the texture, color, and flavor of fresh peppers,.

Freeze drying

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Canning

Canning, a centuries-old preservation method, reliably extends the shelf life of your peppers. This technique is easy to do at home with proper tools. There are a few different methods you can try, including water bath canning, pressure canning, and steam canning.

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Fermentation utilizes a saline brine, while salt curing relies solely on salt without water. When properly fermented, chilis can last up to 6 months or more.

Fermentation and salt curing

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Making hot sauce

Hot sauce often falls into two categories: acidified, typically achieved by incorporating vinegar and/or fermented. These methods contribute to hot sauce’s remarkable shelf life of up to six months.

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Get the free guide to growing chili peppers

The "green thumb" is a myth — with the right information, anyone can successfully grow peppers. Enjoy this free 34-page guide to help you grow an abundant harvest.

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