Preserve Pepperoni: The 3 Best Ways

If you want to preserve pepperoni, you have various options. Choose between freezing, drying, or pickling. All methods ensure that you can keep the chilies for several months.

Preserving pepperoni: Store fresh peppers in the refrigerator or freeze them

To store fresh pods, you have several options.

• Freshly harvested chilies can be stored uncovered in the refrigerator for several weeks. Open storage is important because the pods quickly go moldy in closed containers due to the condensation.
• To keep the peppers longer, freeze the entire pod. Wash them beforehand and dry them well. This is the best way to preserve the aroma. The pods are easy to cut later when frozen.
• If you would like to freeze the chilies cut into pieces, that is of course also possible. Wash the pod, remove the seeds, dry the pod and cut it into pieces. Use gloves as essential oils escape which irritate the skin and mucous membranes.
• Pack the chilies airtight and note the freezing date on the freezer bag or freezer box. The peppers keep for 12 months.

Storing chili: drying and making chili powder

Another method is drying the pods.

• Wash the pods and dry them well.
• Halve the pods and remove the seeds if you prefer it less spicy. Most of the spiciness of the chilies is in the cores.
• Place newspaper or paper towels on an oven rack and spread the halved pods side by side. They must not overlap so that no mold develops. Place the grid in a warm, dry place and turn the pods regularly until they are dry for about four weeks.
• Alternatively, pierce the stems with a needle and thread and string the peppers along the thread. Then hang the decorative line in a dry place.
• If drying is to be faster, use the oven. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet and spread the pods on it. Dry the chilies at 80 degrees for about seven hours. Leave the oven door ajar to allow moisture to escape.
• Another way to preserve it is to use a food dehydrator. Set the temperature and duration according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Crush the dried pods in a mortar or in a food processor.
• Pack the chili flakes airtight and keep them dry, cool, and dark. The flakes have a shelf life of six months.

Pickling peppers: How to preserve fresh peppers

Preserve fresh hot peppers by pickling the pods in vinegar. This method works best for thick-fleshed varieties. Our recipe is for 250 grams.

• Wash and dry the chilies. Then cut the pods into slices.
• In a saucepan, add 350ml water and 350ml white vinegar along with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 tablespoon salt. Boil the mixture, stirring, until the sugar and salt have dissolved.
• Sterilize a jar with a screw cap. Add the chili slices and pour in the still hot stock. The peppers must be completely covered with the liquid. Seal the jar and turn it upside down. This creates a vacuum.
• Place the jar in a cool, dark place and let the pods sit for two weeks before using.
• The pickled chilies can be stored unopened for twelve months. Even after opening, the pepperoni keep for several months. Store these in the fridge and watch out for mold. The slices should always be covered by liquid and removed with a clean fork rather than by hand.