How to Store Chillies
Chillies are easier to store than many summer crops because they freeze and dry well. Pick fully coloured, firm fruits on a dry day, taking care not to bruise them. Sort out any soft, split or mouldy chillies for immediate use or disposal, and keep sound fruits separate from any questionable ones.
Best storage conditions
For short-term fresh keeping, hold chillies at 7 to 10 degrees C in a dry, airy, shaded place, or refrigerate briefly if necessary. They dislike dampness and condensation, so never seal wet fruit in a bag. For drying, choose a warm, dry, well-ventilated room or use a low oven. Dried chillies require a cool, dark, dry cupboard in airtight containers.
How long it keeps
Fresh chillies commonly keep for 1 to 3 weeks when cool, dry and undamaged. Properly dried chillies can retain useful flavour for up to a year, while whole frozen chillies also keep well for around 12 months in a chest freezer. Check stored dried fruit occasionally for any sign of damp or mould.
Storage methods
For a short period, spread chillies in a single layer on a tray in a cool airy porch or room, out of sunlight. To dry them, thread intact fruits by their stalks onto string and hang the strings where air circulates freely, ensuring fruits do not touch. Alternatively, dry them on trays in a low oven until crisp throughout. Once fully dry and cool, place them in labelled airtight jars or tins in a dark cupboard. Whole chillies can also be frozen dry and unwashed in freezer bags. Store only sound produce and discard any that develops mould.
Preserving
Freeze chillies whole, sliced or chopped in portions; they can usually be used directly from the freezer in cooked dishes. Drying whole chillies on strings or in a low oven makes a compact store for winter. Chillies may also be turned into chutney, relish or sauce, following a trusted recipe for preserving. Ensure dried fruits are completely crisp before sealing them away.
Tips
Wear gloves when handling large quantities, especially when cutting chillies, and avoid touching your face. Leave stalks attached for string drying, but remove them before freezing chopped pieces. Keep dried chillies away from steam and sunlight. If a string shows mould, discard affected fruits and dry the remainder more thoroughly before storage.
Storing Chillies: frequently asked questions
How do I store chillies?
For a short period, spread chillies in a single layer on a tray in a cool airy porch or room, out of sunlight.
How long does chillies keep in storage?
Fresh chillies commonly keep for 1 to 3 weeks when cool, dry and undamaged.
What are the best conditions for storing chillies?
For short-term fresh keeping, hold chillies at 7 to 10 degrees C in a dry, airy, shaded place, or refrigerate briefly if necessary.
Store only sound, dry produce and check regularly. For bottling and preserving, follow a trusted recipe. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.