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Freezing before drying?

Jubnat

Jubnat

Has anyone ever tried dehydrating previously frozen peppers?

I want to make some pepper powder, but I only have one or two dozen peppers ripe on the plants right now. I'd like to build up a stash before borrowing a dehydrator. I've frozen them before making sauce, and if anything that helps with breaking them down. But I don't know if the freezing and thawing process would negatively affect drying them.

And how long can I leave ripe pods on the plant before they start to go bad?
 
     These guys ^ have you covered on the first question.
 
 
 
Jubnat said:
And how long can I leave ripe pods on the plant before they start to go bad?
Click to expand...
 
 
 
     I'll try to field this one. I know I like to let my pods ripen longer than most other growers. I usually try to give my pods at least an additional week past the point when there is no more green. Then when I bring them in, they sit in paper bags for another week or two before I dry or freeze them. 
     As long as my plants (and fruit) are reasonably clear of foliar disease and hungry pests, my pods can easily stay on the plant over two weeks past complete color change. It depends a lot on weather conditions too, though. Lots of rain, sunlight, plant-wilting heat etc. can cause pods to soften and rot faster.
 
Freezing is preserving
Dehydrate is removing moisture content
Do it all the time,because I dont have time
 
Awesome! Thanks guys. I don't know why I thought it might be an issue.

And Hybrid Mode...
Hybrid Mode 01 said:
     I'll try to field this one. I know I like to let my pods ripen longer than most other growers. I usually try to give my pods at least an additional week past the point when there is no more green. Then when I bring them in, they sit in paper bags for another week or two before I dry or freeze them. 
     As long as my plants (and fruit) are reasonably clear of foliar disease and hungry pests, my pods can easily stay on the plant over two weeks past complete color change. It depends a lot on weather conditions too, though. Lots of rain, sunlight, plant-wilting heat etc. can cause pods to soften and rot faster.
Click to expand...
What's your reason for ripening further in paper bags? Does it affect the flavor considerably?
 
NO the bag shit is strictly URBAN in nature
Pods will ripen as pods ripen,not a pony trick anywhere will divert natures course
Put them any where in open air and they will do what they do...... EVERY TIME!
 
Jubnat said:
Awesome! Thanks guys. I don't know why I thought it might be an issue.

And Hybrid Mode...

What's your reason for ripening further in paper bags? Does it affect the flavor considerably?
Click to expand...
 
Jubnat said:
Awesome! Thanks guys. I don't know why I thought it might be an issue.

And Hybrid Mode...

What's your reason for ripening further in paper bags? Does it affect the flavor considerably?
Click to expand...
 
 
 
     The extra time I let the pods sit around affects the taste segnificantly. I think a lot more carbs get converted to sugar during the wait and the flavor seems to become more mellow and concentrated too.
     I use paper bags because labeled bags is my trick to keep each variety separate when I harvest and while I age them. Plastic won't work because it doesn't breathe and will lead to condensation buildup and mold inside the bag. Random piles sitting around ("Caveman Technique" :clap: ) leads to mislabeled pods and seeds. Paper bags work perfect. 
     Don't mind TNKS. He's a loudmouth toolbox who screams at passing cars and birds. We usually just let him tire himself out and then he falls asleep in a corner. 
 
I was very glad to find this thread this morning.  My Scotch Bonnet plants have had around 25 ripe pods now for nearly a month - they were much hotter than expected, so I left them on the vine while mulling what changes I would need to make to my sauce recipe.  I snipped them after reading this thread, and they were mostly fine, despite all the cold and rain we have been experiencing here in the PacNW.  All pods were firm.  Two had small black areas. 
 
My Serranos were a different story - once they turned dark red, they began softening if left on the vine.
 
I still have quite a few green pods and they have NOT been ripening.  Is there anything to be done with them, or do I just decide when to give up and begin over-wintering, losing the current green pods?
 
just be aware that when the frozen chiles thaw out, they will drop a ton of water.  I'd suggest they be defrosted in a colander and then into the dehydrator and also, put a solid fruit leather tray on the bottom rack to protect the motor from excess water. 
 
Great information.  This batch of Bonnets is heading for the freezer as soon as they dry out.
 
14524972_10206894034939173_5389515711974151080_o.jpg
 
salsalady said:
just be aware that when the frozen chiles thaw out, they will drop a ton of water.  I'd suggest they be defrosted in a colander and then into the dehydrator and also, put a solid fruit leather tray on the bottom rack to protect the motor from excess water. 
Click to expand...
 
i 2nd that ! 
 
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