Dehydrating bell peppers is a practical way to extend their shelf life and concentrate their flavors. It is an easy process that can be done in a dehydrator or an oven.
I find that blanching is unnecessary when dehydrating peppers, but I know that some prefer it. Green peppers tend to turn black if dehydrated at too high heat. I had them turn black once when dehydrating slices at the same temp I always use. They are still used this way, just not very attractive! To blanch the peppers, place them in a pot of boiling water for about 2 minutes. Then quickly drain and put in cold water to stop the cooking.
Here are the steps to follow to dehydrate peppers:
Step 1: Choose Your Bell Peppers
Choose fresh, firm, ripe bell peppers free of blemishes, bruises, or soft spots. You can select any color of bell pepper you prefer, such as green, red, yellow, or orange. I love mixing sweet peppers in red, orange, and yellow.
Step 2: Wash and Dry the Bell Peppers
Wash the bell peppers under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, dry them using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Make sure to remove most moisture to prevent spoilage.
Step 3: Remove the Seeds and Stem
Using a sharp knife, remove the stem of the bell pepper and slice it in half. Next, remove the seeds and white pith from the pepper with a spoon or your fingers. My trick for deseeding peppers is here on my YouTube channel.
Step 4: Slice the Bell Peppers
Slice the bell peppers into thin slices or cubes, depending on your preference. Ensure that the slices are evenly sized for consistent drying. Blanch if desired.
Step 5: Arrange the Slices on the Dehydrator Trays
Place the bell pepper slices on the dehydrator trays. Avoid overlapping or layering the slices as it hinders proper drying. Pieces touching is fine, just move them around a bit after a couple hours.
Step 6: Set the Dehydrator Temperature and Time
Set the dehydrator to 125°F (52°C) for about 8-15 hours. The drying time varies depending on the slices' thickness and the environment's humidity. Check the peppers regularly and rotate the trays if necessary.
Step 7: Condition the Dehydrated Bell Peppers
Conditioning is a crucial step that helps ensure the bell peppers are dehydrated and safe for long-term storage. To condition the peppers, remove them from the dehydrator and let them cool for about 15 minutes. Then, test them by breaking several pieces in half. They should be crispy. If not, place them back in the dehydrator. Once completely dry, place them in a glass jar or air-tight container and leave them to sit for 4-5 days, shaking them once daily to redistribute the moisture. If you notice any condensation inside the container, return the peppers to the dehydrator for further drying.
Step 8: Store the Dehydrated Bell Peppers
Once the peppers are properly conditioned, store them in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or vacuum seal. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
To rehydrate the bell peppers, soak them in hot water for 10-15 minutes or add them directly to soups and stews. Enjoy the convenience of dehydrated bell peppers in your recipes!
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