Dehydrating Jalapenos

Ok friends, let’s talk about dehydrating jalapenos!

If you’re like many gardeners, you’ve probably found yourself with an overabundance of jalapeños at the end of the growing season.

These spicy little peppers are prolific producers, and while it’s great to have a bountiful harvest, figuring out what to do with all those jalapeños can be a challenge.

One fantastic solution is dehydrating jalapenos.

Dehydrating jalapenos is an easy and effective way to make your peppers last longer, ensuring you always have them on hand to add a kick to your favorite dishes.

Why Should You Begin Dehydrating Jalapenos?

Extended Shelf Life: Dehydrating removes the moisture from your jalapeños, significantly extending their shelf life. Properly stored, dehydrated jalapeños can last for years.

Space-Saving: Dehydrated peppers take up much less space than fresh or frozen ones, making them perfect for those with limited storage.

Convenience: Having dehydrated jalapeños on hand means you’ll always have a supply ready to add to your recipes, even when fresh jalapeños are out of season.

Concentrated Flavor: Dehydration concentrates the natural flavors of the peppers, adding an intense burst of heat and flavor to your dishes.

How to Dehydrate Jalapenos:

Dehydrating jalapenos can be done using a dehydrator or an oven. Both methods are simple and effective. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each method:

Using a Dehydrator

Supplies Needed:

• Dehydrator
• Fresh jalapeños
• Knife
• Gloves (optional but recommended)
• Cutting board

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peppers: Start by washing your jalapeños thoroughly. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the capsaicin, the compound that gives jalapeños their heat. Slice the jalapeños into rings, halves, or quarters, depending on your preference. Remove the seeds if you want to reduce the heat.
2. Arrange on Trays: Place the sliced jalapeños on the dehydrator trays, making sure they are evenly spaced and not overlapping.
3. Dehydrate: Set your dehydrator to 125°F (52°C). Dehydrate the jalapeños for 6-12 hours, checking occasionally. They are done when they are brittle and break easily.
4. Cool and Store: Let the dehydrated jalapeños cool completely before storing them in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. Store in a cool, dark place.

Using an Oven

Supplies Needed:

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Fresh jalapeños
• Knife
• Gloves (optional but recommended)
• Cutting board

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peppers: Wash and slice the jalapeños as described above, using gloves to protect your hands.
2. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper and place the sliced jalapeños on them, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
3. Bake: Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, usually around 140-170°F (60-75°C). Place the baking sheets in the oven and prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape. Dry the jalapeños for 6-12 hours, checking periodically.
4. Cool and Store: Allow the jalapeños to cool completely before storing them as described above.

Recipe Ideas Using Dehydrated Jalapeños

Dehydrated jalapeños are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are a few ideas from other bloggers to inspire you:

1. Chili: Add dehydrated jalapeños to your favorite chili recipe for an extra kick. Try this Smoky Beef and Black Bean Chili from What’s Gaby Cooking.
2. Tacos: Sprinkle rehydrated jalapeños on your tacos for a burst of flavor. Check out this Spicy Beef Tacos recipe from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks.
3. Pizza: Use dehydrated jalapeños as a topping for homemade pizza. This Jalapeño Popper Pizza from All Recipes is a must-try.
4. Soups and Stews: Toss a handful of dehydrated jalapeños into soups and stews for added heat and depth of flavor. This Mexican Chicken Soup from Culinary Hill is delicious.

For more ideas, check out my favorite recipes on Naturally Jamie, including my Candied Jalapeños Recipe and my post on Different Ways to Preserve Peppers.

FAQ

1. How long do dehydrated jalapeños last?
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, dehydrated jalapeños can last for up to a year or more.

2. Do I need to blanch jalapeños before dehydrating?
Blanching is not necessary for jalapeños. Simply wash, slice, and dehydrate.

3. How do I rehydrate dehydrated jalapeños?
To rehydrate, soak the dried jalapeños in warm water for about 20-30 minutes until they are plump. Drain and use them as needed.

4. Can I season my jalapeños before dehydrating?
Yes, you can sprinkle the slices with salt, garlic powder, or other spices before dehydrating to add extra flavor.

5. What is the best way to store dehydrated jalapeños?
Store dehydrated jalapeños in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dark place. For long-term storage, you can also freeze them.

6. Can I dehydrate whole jalapeños?
It is not recommended to dehydrate whole jalapeños as they take much longer to dry and may not dry evenly. Slicing them ensures a quicker and more even dehydration process.

7. Are dehydrated jalapeños as spicy as fresh ones?
Dehydrated jalapeños can be even spicier than fresh ones because the dehydration process concentrates their flavors and heat.

Dehydrating jalapenos is a fantastic way to preserve your harvest and ensure you always have these spicy peppers on hand.

Whether you use a dehydrator or an oven, the process is straightforward and yields delicious, versatile results.

Use your dehydrated jalapeños in a variety of recipes, from chili to pizza, and enjoy the intense flavor they bring to your dishes.

For more tips and recipes on preserving your garden bounty, be sure to check out my other posts on Naturally Jamie.

Happy dehydrating!