How to Store Dried Chiles
It’s essential to store dried chile peppers in the proper environment—away from light and heat—to keep them in tip-top condition for as long as possible. A dry chile is a pod packed with flavor and can deliver varying amounts of spicy fire. If they are improperly stored, they can quickly lose flavor and may even show signs of mold. With proper storage, they can remain viable to use for 1-2 years after your purchase.
Store Dried Chiles in Airtight Container
Chiles should always be stored in an airtight container. Remove them from the plastic bags they’re shipped in; these bags are not an acceptable long-term solution since they don’t guarantee an airtight seal. Your chiles should be stored in a glass or plastic jar. You can use whatever will close tightly; you can use refrigerator boxes with locking lids or canisters with rubber gaskets. You can even use Ball or mason jars since the lids are designed to create an excellent, tight fit. For an added benefit, you can look for opaque amber or green containers to help block light.
Store Dried Chiles Away from Light
No matter what storage method, keep your dry chile containers away from direct sunlight.
Sunlight can cause essential oils—the chemical compounds that give chiles their unique flavors—to become unstable and degrade in the jar. The same UV rays that give you sunburn can also break apart the chemical bonds in the oil. Depending on the properties of the oils, they could dissipate in the air as the jar is opened, leaving you with a tasteless chile. Or, they can remain in chiles, causing them to turn rancid and create unpleasant flavors in your food.
Sunlight also raises surrounding air temperature and can affect the longevity of chiles stored in the path of direct sunlight. The following section discusses the need to keep chiles cool.
Keep Dried Chiles in Cool Area or Freeze
Keep chiles in a ball jar or glass container tucked into a pantry or cupboard for optimal storage. The ideal temperature should average between 60-72°F, and humidity should be low.
While it’s tempting to store chiles in an easy-to-reach countertop spot, sunlight’s ambient heat can cause them to sweat. With an airtight seal, the sweat can’t evaporate. The moisture will remain on the chiles, which will cause mold. For this same reason, we recommend that you don’t store your chiles near your stove or oven.
Dried chiles can be kept in the freezer. Make sure to wrap each dry chile individually, so you can remove them only in the amounts you need. Chiles can be stored in the freezer for about a year, but it’s better if consumed within six months.
Inspect Dried Chiles Before Use
Always inspect chiles before use for evidence of mold or degradation before using. Chiles should be pliable and somewhat supple. Some chiles do not emit much odor—you should always know the characteristics of your chiles—but most give off a spicy, fruity smell. If chiles are not fragrant, are brittle and crack easily, look ashy, or smell moldy or mildewy, they should be disposed of.
When you purchase dried chiles, you open the door to a delicious world in your kitchen, but to get the most out of them, you need to ensure they’re stored under the proper conditions. These simple guidelines will help keep your chiles viable for 1-2 years.