How Long You Can Keep Your Dried Peppers For

Dried peppers are a great option when you want to maintain a back stock of flavorful products that won't easily spoil, just in case you need to make salsa with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you purchased pre-dried peppers or dried them out on your own, here's what to expect as far as how long they'll last. While the general rule is that dried chiles can last between two and three years, they may keep for longer than that, though the flavor will diminish over time. The longevity of the pepper depends on a few factors, like how well it was dehydrated and whether or not it was stored properly.

Moisture can create a breeding ground for mold and cause your chiles to rot and spoil, so make sure they're completely dry before you stash them away. As far as proper storage goes, keeping the peppers in a sealed container and away from sunlight is key. An airtight seal will prevent any moisture from getting in. This is especially important for humid areas or in homes with less ventilation. 

Over time, light exposure can cause the flavor of your peppers to diminish. If you don't have an opaque container that works well for this, my favorite product is the ONGROK glass storage jar that's not only airtight but also made to block out light and UV rays. 

If extending the life of your dried peppers is a top priority, you can store the container you've placed them in inside your fridge. While not explicitly necessary, low temperatures will help extend the life of the peppers. Storing your peppers in the freezer will make them last indefinitely, though you'll want to use them immediately upon thawing, as moisture will be unavoidable at that point.

Storing your dried peppers whole (as opposed to ground or crushed) can extend the shelf life further, and it's the perfect opportunity to use them in a functional and decorative ristra. A chile ristra is a large bunch of dried peppers strung together to make a gorgeous hanging piece. While they can serve purely as home decor and are more attractive than decorating with realistic fake food, this traditional storage method also provides easy access when cooking.

You can make a ristra yourself and allow the peppers to dry over time, or you can purchase one that's premade. A ristra will last around two years, depending on the storage conditions. It should still be stored in a cool, dark, and dry location for the longest shelf life, such as a pantry. Whether you use a container, the freezer, or a ristra, properly dried peppers will at least last a few years in your home — that is, if you don't use them up before then making some delicious regional Mexican foods like chocolate mole sauce, pozole, birria, or tacos al pastor.