Expiration & Storage Tips
When does scotch bonnet chile expire?
Scotch Bonnet Chiles will last about 2 weeks when refrigerated. Over this time, they gradually lose their color and firmness. Dried Scotch Bonnet Chiles will last much longer, about a year, kept in a cool, dark place. Once a Scotch Bonnet Chile is cut open, store it in the refrigerator in a plastic bag and consume within a week. If you consider freezing them, be aware they will soften upon defrosting but can last up to 6 months in the freezer.
How do you tell if scotch bonnet chile is bad?
You'll notice some sure signs when the Scotch Bonnet Chile goes bad. The chiles start to develop a shriveled appearance, or dark spots might appear on their skin. In some cases, you'll observe a soft or mushy texture. Once these signs are visible, it's best not to use them. For dried chiles, if they lose their vibrant color and become pale, or if they smell musty, they're likely expired.
Tips for storing scotch bonnet chile to extend shelf life
• Store Scotch Bonnet Chiles in the crisper drawer of your fridge, ideally in a paper bag rather than plastic, which can cause moisture build-up and quicker spoilage.
• If using Scotch Bonnet Chiles in a recipe, consider wearing gloves to avoid skin irritation. Be careful not to touch your eyes or mouth.
• You can extend their shelf-life by freezing. Simply place the whole chiles in a zip-top freezer bag, press out the air, seal and freeze. No need to stem or de-seed before freezing – you can do this easily after thawing.
• For dried Scotch Bonnet Chiles, keep them in an airtight container, in a cool, dark place to retain their spicy kick.