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Two Tips to Keep Chillies Fresh for Longer: A Year-Round Storage Guide

Preserving chili peppers and keeping them fresh all year round is an art. With these simple yet effective tips and tricks, you can become a master at storing chilies and enjoying their spicy kick whenever you desire.

Administrator

1 September, 2024

## How to Keep Chillies Fresh in a Plastic Bottle

Preserving Fresh Chillies in a Plastic Bottle

To prolong the life of chillies, choose fresh ones with taut skin and thick, green stems.

Wash the chillies and ensure they are thoroughly dry. For successful preservation, it is crucial that the chillies are completely moisture-free. Trim the stems with scissors, leaving a small section attached to the chilli. This will prevent spoilage and facilitate easier storage.

Prepare a few small plastic bottles by washing and thoroughly drying them. These bottles will serve as the storage containers for the chillies.

Place the completely dry chillies in a bowl and add a few spoonfuls of cooking oil. Toss the chillies until each one is coated with a thin layer of oil.

Carefully transfer the chillies into the prepared bottles, ensuring you don’t pack them too tightly to avoid crushing. Secure the bottle lids tightly and store the bottles in the freezer.

If you plan to consume the chillies within 1-2 months, you can keep the bottle in the refrigerator instead.

When ready to use, take out the desired amount of chillies. There is no need to remove them from the bottle in advance. This method ensures your chillies remain fresh and flavorful, available for use throughout the year.

Choose either of these two methods to effectively preserve chillies for an extended period.

Preserving Chillies with Garlic and Salt

Follow the initial preparation steps for the chillies as outlined above.

Additionally, you will need some salt crystals and dry garlic cloves.

Heat a pan and add the salt. Dry roast the salt until it turns a light beige color. Transfer the roasted salt to a bowl and allow it to cool completely before using.

Peel the garlic cloves and keep them whole.

Prepare a clean, dry jar for storing the chillies.

Add the garlic, chillies, and roasted salt to the jar. Place the jar in the refrigerator. Each day, give the jar a gentle shake and use clean chopsticks to remove the desired amount of chillies and garlic.

Salt acts as a preservative by disrupting the enzymes and damaging the DNA of bacteria, thus inhibiting their growth. It also absorbs moisture, ensuring the chillies remain dry. Garlic, on the other hand, contains natural antibiotics that prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Together, these ingredients create an effective preservation method for chillies, maintaining their freshness and flavor for a prolonged period.