Things You'll Need:
- Peppers with stem ends still attached
- Needle
- Fishing line
- Knife
- Jars
- Plastic bags
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Step 1
Inspect the peppers and throw away any that have spoiled spots or smell like they might be turning bad.
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Step 2
Thread a needle with 4 feet of fishing line. Leave the line doubled and tie a double knot in the end.
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Step 3
Push the needle through the stem end of a pepper and slide the pepper to the end of the fishing line. Repeat until all the peppers are threaded onto the line. Don't pack the peppers too tightly together-leave a small amount of air space between each pepper.
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Step 4
Hang the string of peppers in a sunny, warm dry place. Allow the peppers to dry. After one week, check their progress. Test one of the peppers. It should be completely dry and firm to the touch. The peppers do not have to be desiccated and hard. If necessary, allow the peppers to dry longer
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Step 5
Harvest pepper seeds by pinching or slicing the stem end off of the pepper and then using a sharp knife to slit the pepper down the side. Scrape the seeds out with a knife. The seeds can be very hot, so wash your hands after handling the peppers or wear protective gloves.
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Step 6
Store the dried pepper seeds in a jar with a shaker top. Some of the seeds may be suitable for planting, but not all of them will germinate after drying.
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Step 7
Crush dried Chinese peppers in the food processor, blender or with mortar and pestle. Store in spice bottles for cooking. Put whole dried peppers in a resealable-plastic bag. Press the air out of the bag when you close it. Wash the food processor bowl or blender in warm, soapy water. Wipe the inside of the mortar with a damp cloth.
