Today, finally, marked my first adventure into taking a blender full of cayenne and whirling it into a jar full of hot red pepper flakes. You know, like the hot pepper flakes you get with your pizza, but better because these flakes were home grown, hand strung and dried first in our very own kitchen!
This just might be the simplest DIY on file, but I have to admit that I am exceptionally excited about it. There is just something about the sowing of seeds and watching them grow and transform to a harvest-able state. Sometimes the harvest brings immediate sustenance, and sometimes a little more patience is involved.
But I digress. How does one take cayenne and turn it into hot red pepper flakes?
- harvest your cayenne when bright red from tip to stem or purchase them
- string them up using a needle and thread
- hang them to dry out of direct light and where you can admire their beauty
- allow them to dry through and through-the timing here will depend on the humidity
- once dry, pop off the stems and place the peppers in a blender
- save any “fallen” seeds for next years garden
- blend on “chop” (with the lid on tightly)
- pour flakes into a dry, air tight jar and label
Please remember that hot peppers are just that; HOT. Use gloves whenever handling peppers or risk having your skin burn. You also might consider wearing a mask or tying something around your mouth and nose when handling and blending these peppers and letting all of the “dust” settle in the blender before pouring the flakes into their jar.
Because of the burning nature of these peppers, it is not a good idea to try to speed up the drying of your peppers using your oven or dehydrator without risking the fumes reeking havoc on your home and every living creature in it! Alternatively, a solar (outdoor) dehydrator might just work if you have such a set up!
There you have it, simple as can be! And now we have enough hot pepper flakes to last us for at least a year!
xoxo,
M
Linking up to Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways #100, Homestead Barn Hop #138, From the Farm and Homemade Mondays #58
I like to use a variety of dried peppers for my flakes, it gives a more rounded, robust flavor profile (sorry to sound snooty, but is DOES make a tasties pepper flake).
I also use two gradually finer sifters to remove the dust, giving me chili powder, fine flakes for topping foods, and coarse flakes for use while cooking.
I also cheat, since I don’t grow enough hot peppers, I buy dry peppers from ethnic markets.
I only do it once a year, and do it when it is warm enough to have the windows open – it quickly becomes hard to breathe.
I vacuum seal the goodies in jars, then store them in the freezer. Works well, and there is very little degradation of flavor this way.
I wrote about it a couple time too, and included a video as well:
http://floridahillbilly.com/make-red-pepper-flakes/
The weather is mild this week, and you’ve reminded me that its time to get more. It does make a nice little Christmas gift as well 🙂
db
Wow, good job going the extra step of sifting it all 🙂 I just call it “done” after grinding it up! I do agree with you, fresh peppers (as with fresh anything) are much better than anything you’ll find in the stores!
Hi Bee Girl! Thanks so much for sharing! The peppers look so festive hanging in your home! I can hardly wait for planting time here! I want to grow these and dry them, as you have! Have a great week! Blessings from Bama!
It really was such a treat to grow, harvest, sting and process our cayenne this year! Thanks for popping over!
Pingback: How to Make Homemade Red Pepper Flakes | Herbs and Oils Hub
I love this – so simple yet such a great thing to have on hand! I think it would also make a wonderful addition to a gift basket full of home made extract and dried fruits! Thanks for the inspiration!