Dried chilis are an excellent way to preserve chilies, allowing you to enjoy them long after their fresh counterparts have been used up. Dried chilis are a staple of many cuisines, from Mexican to Indian.
With the ability to add flavor and
Signs of Spoiled Dried Chilis
Yes, dried chilis can go bad. As with all food products, mold and bacteria can grow on dried chilis if not stored properly. But if you keep dried chilis in an airtight container and store them away from heat and sunlight, they should last a long time.
There are several signs to look for when determining whether or not your chilis have gone bad:
Mould Growth
Mold growth on dried chilis is something you want to avoid messing around with – it’s not only gross, but it could be dangerous! To spot mold growth, look for a fuzzy, powdery white or green substance on the surface of the chili.
If you see it, it’s time to throw that chili away and get a fresh one. Don’t let the mold take over your chilis – play it safe and get rid of it!
Discoloration
One of the first signs of spoiled dried chilis is that they start to discolor. They may go from a bright and vibrant red to a dull and faded brown. This can be a major bummer since one of the best things about dried chilis is the big, bold color they bring to dishes.
Plus, it’s an indicator that they’re not going to be as flavorful as they could be. But not to worry too much – you won’t have to throw them away just yet. The chilis may still be okay to use; you just have to pay close attention to the next few signs.
Unpleasant Aroma
One sure sign that your dried chilis are no longer fit to eat is the smell. When you open the packet, you’ll know immediately if it’s gone bad. It’s like when you open the fridge, and you can smell something off, only this time it’s coming from your chilis!
It won’t smell like a fresh, vibrant chili anymore. Instead, the aroma will be very unpleasant and sour. It would be wise to toss those chilis in the bin, as no amount of cooking will save them now!
Hardened Texture
One sure sign that your dried chilis have gone bad is their texture – it’s not going to be the same as when you first bought it! As soon as you feel it, you’ll realize it’s hardened. It’s like touching a rock instead of chili.
As someone who loves their chili, it’s heartbreaking to see it in such a sad state. It’s like your chili is old and tired, and it’s time to retire it from your kitchen.
Insect Infestation
No one likes the idea of creepy crawly critters in their food. But when it comes to dried chilis, one surefire sign tells you it’s time to throw them out – insect infestation.
Let me tell you, and it’s something you don’t want to find when you’re in the middle of cooking. It’s always best to check your chilis before using them to ensure they’re free from any bugs.
Taste Bitter or Sour
One of the easiest ways to tell if they’re still good to use is to taste them. If they taste bitter or sour, it’s a sure sign that they’re no good. I’ve definitely been caught out a few times – never again! I’ll always give them a taste test before I start cooking!
Storing Dried Chilis
As mentioned before, dried chilis will last much longer if stored properly. However, the spiciness will reduce with time, even if it can last longer. (I mean if you store longer than six months but the decrease of spiciness is very slow) And the critical point is to keep in a dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
Keep In a Cool, Dry Place
When it comes to storing dried chilis, you want to find the coolest, driest place you can. That could be a cupboard in your kitchen, a pantry in your laundry room, or even a drawer in your bedroom. The key is to keep them away from any heat sources and from any moisture.
That means no leaving them in the garage or on the windowsill! They might not look like much, but when it comes to dried chilis, even the smallest amount of heat or moisture can quickly ruin them. And trust me, you don’t want that!
Store In Airtight Containers
Storing dried chilis is a great way to keep them fresh for the longest time possible. It’s always best to store them in airtight containers so that the flavor and heat stay contained.
I like to store mine in glass jars, like mason jars, with a secure lid so that I don’t end up with chili flakes floating around my kitchen. Plus, it looks pretty cute on my
Pro tips: Find the best storage solutions for spices
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Storing dried chilis is super essential if you want to keep them in good condition and use them for a long time. I like to find a dark spot in my pantry or cupboards to store them, away from direct sunlight.
Since they already look like little fireballs, the last thing you want is to set them on fire by exposing them to too much sun! Make sure the spot you choose is cool and dry, and your chilis will stay nice and spicy for a long time.
Label Each Container with the Type of Chili and Date of Storage
When storing dried chilis properly, it’s important to label each container with the type of chili and the date of storage. I always find it helpful to use a permanent marker to label the containers – that way, I can guarantee that I’ll never forget what’s hidden inside.
Plus, it’s also fun to leave little messages or jokes on the containers. For example, if I stored some habanero peppers, I might label them “fiery hot stuff” just so that I have a chuckle when I open it up.
Check Contents Regularly for Spoilage or Signs of Decay
Of course, like all ingredients, you should check the contents regularly for any signs of spoilage or decay. Otherwise, you could be left with a sad, flavorless batch. I like to give mine a little shake every once in a while to make sure nothing’s amiss. Plus, it’s a great way to make sure the chilis stay comfortable and remember to do their job – to bring the heat!
How Long Do Dried Chilis Last?
I’m often asking myself, how long do dried chilies last? And the answer is that it depends on where you store them. If you store them in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight and heat, they can last up to a year. I like to keep mine in the freezer because it helps to preserve their flavor and spiciness. Freezing them also helps them to retain their vibrant color.
But if you want the best flavor and most kick out of them, you should consume them within three to six months. With proper storage, you can enjoy the taste of spiciness and heat that dried chilies bring to your dishes. Just check them periodically and discard any that may have gone bad.
Nothing ruins a meal like biting into a dried chili that is no longer intact! Now, if you’re like me and you can’t get enough of that spicy flavor, you might be disappointed that you can’t keep them forever.
