Dehydrated Jalapenos

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Dehydrated Jalapenos

Aug 1 2010 9:04:37 pm EST

Topics: Dehydrating Food, Food,

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The process of drying jalapenos concentrates the flavor, giving it a sweeter, more complex flavor. They add character to many dishes. As a standalone snack, dehydrated jalapenos are torturous and addicting. I find they help suppress appetite pangs, although this may vary from person to person.

Note: God help you if you dehydrate jalapenos in a confined space, the capsaicin is released into the room, irritating the respiratory system and eyes (think pepper spray). I do this on my porch. When you handle these, use a sharp knife and be careful not to get juice in cuts, sores, or eyes. If you experience pain, rinse area with copious amounts of water. Also, be careful when you snack on these, my digestive system took time to adapt to frequent capsaicin consumption. As for your mouth, bread and rice absorbs heat if overpowering. Milk can carry away burning oils. Sugar, chocolate, and even a cloth with warm water put in the mouth can help as well.

I use canned jalapenos because of the addition of carrots and sodium. The canned jalapenos I use have carrots in them. I find this adds to the character of the peppers. I don’t use salt in my cooking, so I rely on sodium from ingredients for flavor. Also, I eat these peppers when I hike to suppress appetite, the sodium helps offset electrolyte loss from sweating.

I don’t use sliced jalapenos because they are more difficult to handle when they dry. I prefer halved jalapenos. They dry the perfect snacking size, and look attractive in a dish.

1. Drain Jalapenos.
2. Cut Stems. Halve jalapenos lengthwise if you purchased whole. Quarter the big ones, they dry faster this way
3. Arrange jalapenos on dehydrator tray (and carrots if they came in can, they are nice to snack on)
4. Set dehydrator to 135°F. Dry for 8 hours, or until shrivled and as dry as a raisin.
5. Let cool on tray
6. Tag and bag. If stored dry, they should last months. Although I find flavor begins to dissipate after a month.

Dates:

2011

2010

2008

2007