What is the best way to dry peppers?

Question

I have several differnt kind of peppers this year and i am not sure how to tell when they are ready to pick my fresno peppers are pretty big any help would appreciated thanks

Answer 1

*Wire racks are a good way. You need very good air circulation and be sure to turn peppers each day.
*Grilling peppers then freezing them is another storage option.
*You can use one of those drying machines called a dehydrator:

http://www.epinions.com/content_176683978372


*The best way to dry them indoors or outdoors is to sew them together with thread and hang them in a sunny, airy location like a kitchen.
Here's a picture:

http://www.barefootinc.com/hotsauces/wallpaper/Hanging%20Chiles%20800x600.jpg

Answer 2

Drying Hot Peppers
Hot peppers vary tremendously in size, shape, color, and pungency or heat. They can be eaten fresh, used in sauces, pickled, frozen, or dried.

Drying peppers is a simple procedure. Harvest mature peppers (the fruit of most varieties turn from green to red at maturity), wash to remove any dirt, then allow the fruit to dry for a few minutes on the kitchen counter. Once the preparation steps have been completed, spread the peppers on a wire mesh screen or rack and dry for several weeks. An alternate method requires a large needle and heavy thread. Thread the needle, then push the needle through the upper portion of a pepper. Slide the pepper down the thread and repeat, stringing additional peppers. Hang and dry the peppers in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location. The dried peppers may be ground as needed. Hot peppers vary from mild ('False Alarm') to very hot ('Habanero' and 'Scotch Bonnet').

While hot peppers are popular in many dishes, dried red peppers are also ornamental

Answer 3

I use one of those dehydrators that have several shelves, a motorized fan and a heating element. Some models also have a thermostat, but I do well without one.

They are fast and easy; you can put different sized/varieties on separate shelves if you want. Simply check from time to time and remove the ones that are dry.

As for when to pick - once they have reached their final color and desired heat level. Some say that there is an "optimum" time in the growth period to pick for maximum heat, but I don't Know that to be so, and since I grow the hottest ones I can find, a few scovilles here or there don't matter. I picked a tiny green one today, easily a month or more early, and to my surprise, eating it was a challenge. I can't even imagine what it will be when fully ripe.

Answer 4

I thread mine and hang them in my kitchen, they almost have a decorative effect.