Grow Your Own Magazine

Hi,

could I request advice on storing chillies when I don't have an airing cupboard to dry them?

also, mine are green right now - will they go red on the plant, like bell peppers?

thanks.

They should go red on the plant. I still had chillies ripening in November last year. You can use them green too - they are milder that way. I just put mine in a bowl in the kitchen and shake them round occasionally, they dry just fine there. Another option is to cut them in half and remove the seeds (unless you like them hot) and put them in the freezer.

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Happy Gardening,
Shirley

http://www.honeyjukes.co.uk

You can thread them with a needle and cotton and hang them in the kitchen to dry they look lovely!

Re title: chance would be a fine thing! Harrumph!
LAST year, when I had oodles of chillies (this year not a sausage... or a chilli!) my preferred method of preserving was to bulk-chop the chillies and freeze in a teensy bit of water in ice-cube trays, then pop them out in to a bag; whenever you need them you just bung a cube or 3 in to the mix (tonight we're having chilli, and it's our first without last years freezer-stored chillis... not happy!)

I gave loads to the local indian restaurant last week. Got a few nearly ripe if you want me to send you them PM me - they were from last year's cayenne seeds that came free with GYO mag.

__________________
Happy Gardening,
Shirley

http://www.honeyjukes.co.uk

I prefer to freeze them, Queen of the cobs. Just split them and remove the seeds. Then leave them as they are, or chop into bits. Spread out on a tray, put the tray into the feeezer until frozen, tip the chillies into a freezer bag or box, label and store in the freezer. Chillies ready for use anytime you want - and they look like chillies, not the dried stuff.

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From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.

I use the needle and thread method - strings of chillies hanging round the kitchen. Alternatively you can just put them in a bowl in the kitchen and as long as they have good airflow they will gradually ripen and dry.

That's really kind of you, but I think I'll just draw a line under this year and have high hopes for next! I know I CAN grow chillis, and I don't think I was alone in my failings this year!

No worries. If you change your mind and fancy a fresh half-dozen (I think the last I will get this year) just let me know. I have loads dried ready for the winter anyway.

__________________
Happy Gardening,
Shirley

http://www.honeyjukes.co.uk