How To Store Serrano Peppers? 3 Best Ways

Originating in the mountainous regions of Mexico, this long and thin pepper contributes a unique flavor to many dishes of various cuisines. Proper preservation methods need to be kept in mind to retain its flavor.

So, do you also wonder how to store serrano peppers? If so, check below for what to do with all these serrano peppers!

How Long Do Serrano Peppers Last?

Thicker-walled peppers have a longer shelf life than thin-walled ones. If the pepper has any signs of decaying, such as black patches, toss it aside. Fresh chili should be shiny and crispy. Make sure there are no creases or discolorations before storage.

Fresh serranos have a shelf life of 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Serrano chiles may spoil rather quickly, but depending on how you preserve it, you can extend the shelf life.

Serrano chilies have a shelf life of 1–2 weeks if you use the refrigerator. You can extend their lifespan up to 4–6 months by storing them in the freezer.

To get the highest shelf life before expiry, try drying and grinding them in a spice mill. This method will increase the shelf life up to around 3 or 4 years!Having a fruitful harvest this year? Then what to do with serrano peppers from garden? In-depth instructions on how to preserve serrano peppers in different ways is right below.

How To Store Serrano Peppers?

Canning Serrano Peppers

The most effective canned method to preserve chili is to pickle them. You can save peppers for a long time and use them as a side dish. Then how to pickle serrano peppers?

1. Add water to a large pot and bring to boil. 
2. How to chop serrano peppers is the next task to tackle.
3. Divide the chopped chilies into the appropriate number according to the jar’s sizes. Add a couple of garlic cloves to each jar.
4. In a separate pot, combine the rest of the ingredients, including vinegar, water, salt, and sugar, to make the brine. Bring the mixture to boil.
5. Pour the brine over the peppers and garlic cloves, allowing 1/2 inch headspace. Tightly seal the lid.
6. Leave the jars in a water bath canner for around 10 minutes. You must remove air bubbles as much as possible before packing down.

Refrigerate the jars right after they cool down. You can store pickled peppers in an airtight container for up to a month, and figure out the many things to make with serrano peppers for your family in the meanwhile.

Freezing Serrano Peppers

Don’t be surprised; you are not the only one who wonders, “Can you freeze serrano peppers?” and “Can serrano peppers be frozen?”

Freezing chilies is an ideal storing method for a large quantity, and you can save them for long-term use. You should know how to freeze serrano peppers properly.

1. Pick only the fresh chiles with no signs of rotting. 
2. Then, how to prepare serrano peppers is crucial before freezing. Clean and dry serrano peppers very thoroughly because impurities can spoil the outcome much quicker.

Note: To preserve serrano peppers, you do not need to blanch them before freezing. But peeling or removing the stems are recommended. You can find more tips in this video.

3. Fill the chiles into freezer bags or airtight containers. You will want to remove as much air inside as possible if preserving serrano peppers for a long period is your top concern.
4. Put the bags or containers in the freezer.

To ensure the flavor is retained, use these frozen peppers within six months. They may begin to lose quality after this duration and suffer from freezer burn.

Drying Serrano Peppers

Drying is an optimal way of storing serrano peppers. Dehydrating them helps to eliminate moisture while enhancing their flavor and intensity. Dried peppers have a plethora of applications. You can powder or rehydrate them to use for sauces, soups, or stews.

Air-drying is the simplest way to dry them if the temperature is over 70 degrees Fahrenheit. For this method, you should use thin-walled peppers; thicker ones take time to dry and are easy to mold, making serrano the perfect candidate.

In detail, you must string the peppers together through the stems using a long needle and thread. Ensure there is plenty of space between them for airflow. Then hang the string in a place that has enough ventilation and light.

The drying process can last to 3-4 weeks, depending on some of the natural elements. You know the peppers are completely dry when they become brittle. Put these dry serranos in sealed jars and cool places away from direct sunlight.

How To Tell If Your Serrano Peppers Have Gone Bad?

Like other vegetables, serrano pepper’s skin becomes wrinkled or shriveled once the pepper loses moisture. Those that have gone bad may also become soft and discolored.

Another tell-tale sign is dark spots that resemble dirt, but you cannot wipe them away. They indicate that the chilies are beginning to decay, rendering them inedible.

Serrano peppers are firm as they are fresh, but they may develop mushy areas as they deteriorate. If the least bit of pressure from your fingers causes the pepper to give, then throw it aside. It is a definite indication of spoiling.

If the peppers have any spoilage characteristics, throw them away immediately and replace them with a fresh batch.

Can You Eat Expired Serrano Peppers?

Eating expired serrano peppers is likely harmless to your health, but they will not taste good due to reduced spice or heat. Don’t worry if the chilies you ate have mold! The mold typically forms on decaying vegetables is safe.

However, the mold on expired peppers can cause an unpleasant allergy to some people. If you find mold forming on the chilies, it is advisable to discard them in the garbage to avoid serrano pepper allergy.

What To Do With Excess Serrano Peppers?

Serranos chile is a piquant condiment for a variety of dishes. Besides the popular way of pickling, there are some must-try serrano peppers recipes. These peppers are ideal for preparing salsas, enchiladas Suizas, Pad Thai, tacos, candied serrano peppers and other dishes. They taste best with the delicious spicy kick when roasted.

If you enjoy spicy foods, consider bringing serrano chilies into your meals as a condiment in the form of hot sauce or just sliced up raw. Their colorful appearance may also serve as a garnish.

Conclusion

The spicy taste of these fresh Mexican peppers will drive food lovers crazy. Serranos not only add flavor to the dish, but they also contain high nutritional content.

Make sure that you understand how to store serrano peppers by following the guide; you can ensure deliciousness and nutrition throughout the time of use.