So, 2020 was (still is) tough in many aspects, one of them being chilli growing. In our parts, there was a slow start with cold and rainy weather most of the time during May and June. As a result, many pepper plants from our garden have lots of un-ripened peppers. So what to do with those? According to advice by @fxbgHOT (great guy and one of the most active members of our Chilli Twitter list), the plants should get pulled out of the ground, its roots wrapped into plastic foil (in order not to get dehydrated too soon) and then hanged upside-down in a dry environment (basement or garage or similar). And most of the pods should ripen over the course of a few weeks.
We used that method last year when we had lots of un-ripened peppers at the end of October, and it worked great. Many of the pods did ripen over the course of the following couple of weeks. Planning to do the same in 2021 also for sure…
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Unripe peppers can still be utilized in various culinary ways, even though they may not have reached their full flavor potential. Here are some suggestions for what to do with unripened peppers:
- Pickling: Unripened peppers can be pickled to preserve them and develop their flavor. You can make pickled peppers by slicing them and placing them in a vinegar-based brine with herbs and spices of your choice. Let them sit for a few days to absorb the flavors before enjoying them as a tangy condiment or garnish.
- Cooking: You can cook unripened peppers in a variety of dishes. They can add a crunchy texture and mild flavor to stir-fries, soups, stews, and pasta dishes. Simply slice or chop them and incorporate them into your favorite recipes.
- Frying: You can slice and fry unripened peppers to make a crispy snack or appetizer. Coat them in batter or breadcrumbs and deep fry them until golden brown. Serve them with dipping sauces for a tasty treat.
- Salsa Verde: You can use unripened peppers to make salsa verde, a tangy and flavorful sauce. Combine chopped unripened peppers with tomatillos, onions, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth and serve as a dip or topping for tacos, nachos, or grilled meats.
- Chutney: Unripened peppers can be used to make chutney, a sweet and savory condiment. Combine chopped unripened peppers with onions, vinegar, sugar, and spices in a saucepan. Cook until thickened and syrupy, then let cool before serving. Chutney pairs well with cheese, meats, and sandwiches.
- Freezing: If you have a large quantity of unripened peppers, you can freeze them for later use. Simply wash, slice, and remove the seeds from the peppers, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to several months. Use them directly from frozen in cooked dishes.
These are just a few ideas for what to do with unripened peppers. Get creative and experiment with different cooking methods and flavor combinations to make the most of your harvest!