How to Preserve Pepper Seeds
Peppers come in all shapes, sizes and colors -- from mild green, red and orange bell peppers to spicy hot chili peppers. Peppers grow in warm climates and are capable of being grown indoors or on a patio in pots. If you choose to grow your own peppers, buy seeds from a garden center or save your own seeds at home. Saving your own seeds is the most economical way to go. Pepper seeds will keep for a long time, as long as they are kept in a cool, dry place. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Sharp knife
- Plastic gloves (optional)
- Baking pan
- Plastic or glass container
Instructions
-
-
1
Wash and dry the peppers. You can extract the seeds when the peppers are fresh if you plan to use them right away, or wait until they get soft and a little withered.
-
2
Slice the pepper in half with the knife and remove the membrane along with the seeds. Collect the seeds on a plate until you have finished with all the peppers.
-
-
3
Spread the seeds on a baking sheet, piece of aluminum foil or a large plate and allow to dry. Place the baking sheet in an area where it can sit undisturbed. The average drying time is from one to three days. Test the seeds for dryness by attempting to break one in half. If the seed is brittle and breaks, they are dry enough.
-
4
Empty the seeds into a plastic or glass container with a lid and store out of direct sunlight, preferably somewhere it is cool. Make sure lids are on tight to avoid spilling and to prevent moisture from getting inside the container.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Pepper seeds can also be kept in an envelope that is taped closed and kept in a drawer. Avoid using paper towels to dry seeds because the seeds will stick when dried and will be hard to remove. The same instructions apply for saving seeds from hot peppers.
Make sure to let the seeds dry completely before storing. They should break when dry and not bend. If they bend they are not ready and should dry a little longer. When working with varieties of hot peppers, always wear plastic gloves to protect hands from the pepper juice. The juice of the pepper can burn skin, so take precautions.
