Re: [CH] using a dehydrator to dry chiles?
Doug Irvine (dougandmarie@shaw.ca)
Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:36:47 -0700
Jim Graham wrote:
> How well do food dehydrators work for chiles? Do the peppers maintain
> their flavor and heat? Or does it screw them up?
>
> I'm looking for a way (without the high-salt + vinegar mash[1] or
> freezing[2]) to preserve peppers from my garden until I'm ready to
> use them, which could be the same day, or it could be a month or
> more...and, of course, habs don't store well, even in the fridge.
>
> Any suggestions on brand/model (can't spend more than about $30),
> settings, etc.?
>
> Thanks,
> --jim
Hey Jim...I have been drying my crop for many years in an old American
Harvest, I believe it is called. Basic model, no heater, just the heat
from the fan motor. As to where to get one, if you have a few thrift
shops, such as Sally Anne or other thrift shops, then start cruising
them. I have seen them for as low as 5 to 10 bucks, and this is here in
Canada. Dunno where you are located, but you must have some around there
even if it is a medium size city. Seems that church and/or hospital
thrift shops have mushroomed in the last few years. Check them out.
As to how well the crop keeps when dried, I have some dry chiles that
are several years old. Really old ones I have no idea, but mine do not
last that long. I currently have 3 plants producing peppers, and the
fruit has matured to about 3 - 4 " and are a beautiful red! Gonna pick
some this weekend, and make a baby cucumber Thai chile pickle. Just
slice and add sugar cane vinegar with just a dash of salt for flavor...
mmmmmgood! Good luck hunting, Doug in BC