To Freeze or to Dry

• Freezing gives you up to eight months of storage, while dried hot peppers can remain viable for upward of a year when stored properly. The thawing process renders frozen hot peppers quite mushy, making them suitable only for dishes where this will not have a negative effect, such as soups or stir-fries. Dried hot peppers can be added to dishes in their dried form, crushed to be used as flakes or reconstituted in hot water and used as fresh peppers, making them a more versatile option than frozen peppers.

Freezing Basics

• Freezing hot peppers is the easier of the two methods of preserving, though it requires you to have freezer space available for their storage. To freeze hot peppers, simply wash them and remove their stems. You do not need to chop or seed them for freezing, though you can if this preparation is preferable to you. Pack the peppers into freezer-safe bags, label and freeze. When you are ready to use frozen peppers, chop the peppers and remove their seeds while they are still semifrozen for the greatest ease.

Drying Basics

• Dry hot peppers in your oven, in a food dehydrator or in the sun when the weather is hot. Start by washing and gently towel-drying all hot peppers. Using the oven, place the peppers on a baking sheet, set your oven to the lowest possible setting and let it do the work; depending on the pepper size, this will take up to 8 hours. Run a dehydrator for 8 to 10 hours to dry peppers in the same way, or tie the peppers to a string and place them in a warm location until they dry naturally in about 2 weeks.

Hot Pepper Storage Tips

• Dried and frozen peppers require proper storage to prevent contamination and deterioration. Store dried, cooled peppers in airtight jars or freezer-safe bags to prevent moisture from accumulating. Frozen peppers require that you maintain a constant temperature for the best quality. Ensure that your freezer temperature remains steady at 0 degrees Fahrenheit during storage for the best results and the longest storage time. Airtight storage is important for both types of peppers to maintain their quality and not transfer odors to other foods.