4 Strategies for Storing Chili for One Month

Chili is a commonly used spice in daily cooking and is an essential ingredient in many meals. However, improper storage can result in wilted and spoiled peppers. This article provides various methods for preserving fresh chili without drying it out, allowing it to be enjoyed gradually over the course of a month.

Store chili in the freezer compartment

Chili peppers can be stored in the freezer to maintain their freshness for a prolonged period.

• Wash and cut the peppers.
• Drain excess water, then place the chili in an airtight container and store it in the freezer.
• When needed, remove the chili from the freezer, rinse it with water, and it will regain its softness.

Preserve peppers by soaking them in vinegar

Soaking chili peppers in vinegar gives them a unique flavor.

• Wash the peppers, remove the stems, and drain excess water.
• Use a needle to puncture holes in the chili peppers, then place them in a glass jar. Pour vinegar over the chili.
• Peel and slice the garlic, then add it to the jar of chili vinegar. Close the lid tightly.

Preserve chili by drying

• Wash the peppers and remove the stems.
• Use a knife to make several small incisions along the peppers, or cut the peppers in half and remove the seeds.
• Soak the chili peppers in warm water for about 10 minutes.
• Place the chili peppers in a basket and allow them to air dry in the sun until fully dried.
• Store the dried chili peppers in a sealed jar or bag in the refrigerator for future use.

Preserve chili in fish sauce

• Wash the chili peppers and soak them in a diluted salt water solution for a few minutes. Optionally, slice the peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds.
• Peel the garlic cloves, but keep them whole.
• Place the chili peppers and garlic cloves on a large sieve or tray lined with a thin cloth. Allow them to air dry in the sun until slightly wilted.
• Heat sugar and fish sauce until slightly caramelized, then let it cool.
• Wash and dry glass jars.
• Layer the chili peppers and garlic cloves alternately in the jars (arrange the chili peppers in a striped pattern). Pour the cooled sugar and fish sauce mixture into the jar, ensuring all the ingredients are submerged. Close the lid tightly and gently shake the jar.
• After 2-3 days at room temperature, transfer the jar of chili sauce to the refrigerator and use it gradually.

Whether preserving fresh chili, dried chili, pickled chili, or chili in fish sauce, it is important to discard any spoiled chili that has air bubbles, is soft, moldy, or has an unpleasant odor.

For more information on preserving other foods, such as pork, bean sprouts, straw mushrooms, and ripe bananas, you can refer to our articles on these topics.