How to Dry Peppers in a Gas Oven

You can dry peppers in a gas oven

Drying chili peppers is a great way to keep them for long-term storage and concentrate their flavor. Dried chilies can also be ground into a fine powder and used as homemade spice mix or a dry rub. The spicier peppers such as habanero, serrano and jalapeno dry better than milder peppers such as bell peppers. Generally, peppers are air-dried or dried using a dehydrator; however, a gas oven works well and may dry the peppers quicker than traditional methods.

Things You'll Need

• Peppers
• Gas Oven
• Paring Knife
• Cheesecloth
• Toothpicks
• Gloves (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut the peppers in half using the paring knife and remove all of the seeds. If you have a sensitivity to pepper oils, you should wear gloves as the seeds and oils can cause minor skin irritations.

2. Lay the cheesecloth across the oven rack and thread a toothpick between the holes in the cloth and a rail on the oven rack. Do this on each corner of the cloth to secure it into place.

3. Set the oven to its lowest setting (150-200 degrees).

4. Place the sliced peppers across the cheesecloth and space them out evenly.

5. Leave the peppers in the oven for at least eight hours or overnight. If possible, check the peppers every few hours to monitor their progress. A finished pepper will look shrunken, wrinkly and devoid of moisture.

References

• Happy Living: How to Dry Your Own Chili Peppers

Resources

• Drying Chile Peppers