Have a lot of AeroGarden peppers on your hands? Learn how to preserve your peppers such as jalapeno, sweet bell pepper, anaheim, and poblano to name a few- plus tomatoes! The three major methods of preserving peppers are freezing, drying, and canning.

Freezing Method

1. Freezing is the easiest way to preserve peppers, keeping them crisp with fresh flavor.
2. Remove stems and seeds. Hot peppers can be frozen whole if you want to include the spicy seeds.
3. Chop the peppers in strips or cubes.
4. Lay flat on baking sheet or cutting board and place in freezer. Once frozen solid, put into freezer bags, date, and use within 8 to 12 months.

Drying Methods

• Air dry: hang the peppers in a dry climate for 3 to 4 weeks. Make sure to space out the peppers for good air flow.
• Food dehydrator: this method is the fastest drying method and is a good alternative for humid climates.
• Oven dry: You can always use the oven to dry out the peppers but it will take 1 to 2 hours. Bake at 150°F with oven door cracked open to let moisture out. Rotate peppers every 30 minutes.

Canning Method

Canning is great for salsa and other pickled recipes. Find a recipe you like and go from there. The possibilities are endless!

Tip: Wear gloves when preparing hot peppers and wash hands before touching your face to avoid burns.

-If you do get burned, follow these steps:

1. Apply rubbing alcohol to burn area to remove pepper oils
2. Then use apply milk to irritated area. The milk contains the chemical casein and removes the pepper burn from the skin. Follow by soap and warm water.
3. Apply olive oil to burn area for about one minute and wash off.