How to dry chillies

How to dry chillies

Find out how to dry chillies after harvesting, so you can use them throughout winter.

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
At its best
At its best

Plant is at its best in January

Plant is at its best in February

Plant is not at its best in March

Plant is not at its best in April

Plant is not at its best in May

Plant is not at its best in June

Plant is not at its best in July

Plant is not at its best in August

Plant is at its best in September

Plant is at its best in October

Plant is at its best in November

Plant is at its best in December

To do
To do

Do not To do in January

Do not To do in February

Do not To do in March

Do not To do in April

Do not To do in May

Do not To do in June

Do not To do in July

Do not To do in August

Do To do in September

Do not To do in October

Do not To do in November

Do not To do in December

Chillies are easy to grow, in a greenhouse, on a sunny windowsill, or outdoors. They are attractive plants that give plenty of fruits.

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Chillies have a short harvesting ‘window’ in summer for using fresh. So it’s a good idea to harvest and dry them for use throughout winter. Here’s how to do it.

Chillies have a short harvesting 'window' in summer for using fresh. So it's a good idea to harvest and dry them for use throughout the winter.

Discover delicious ways to cook your chilli harvest, at BBC Good Food.

You Will Need

  • Scissors
  • Large needle
  • Cotton or fishing line

Total time: 30 minutes


Step 1

Chillies on the plant
Chillies on the plant

Use sharp scissors or secateurs to remove chillies from the plant, keeping the green cap and stalk above each fruit intact. Throw away any rotten fruit.


Step 2

Threading cotton through a chilli
Threading cotton through a chilli

Using a large needle with strong cotton or fishing line, thread the chillies down the line through the green stalk.


Step 3

Preparing chillies for storing
Preparing chillies for storing

Hang them up inside, somewhere warm and dry. They can be used straight from the string, and make fantastic Christmas decorations.

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Find out more about preserving your harvests.