It is important to avoid exposure to air, moisture, light and heat, which can cause the dried chilies to discolor, lose their flavor or even go moldy. Store the dried chilies in an airtight container in the pantry or even better, in the freezer. If you store them this way, the dried chilies will keep for a long time, but for optimal flavor and spiciness, do not store them for more than a year.

Store in an airtight container

We often recommend storing dried peppers in airtight containers. This is because an airtight container prevents the dried pepper from losing its flavor. Also, an airtight container keeps the dried peppers away from moisture. Moisture will be absorbed by the pepper, partially rehydrating it. This can cause the dried peppers to mold and eventually spoil, just like fresh peppers.

Airtight containers alone are not enough, as dried chili peppers also spoil faster in light. Brightly colored chili peppers fade to a dull gray color if stored in a well-lit environment, such as in a transparent container on a countertop. This also reduces the flavor. Make sure the airtight container is not translucent or store in a dark place, such as a pantry or drawer.

Heat can also cause a dried pepper to lose its flavor. Keep peppers away from the stove or oven until preparation. Do not place the airtight container over the stove or in any other part of your kitchen where it may be exposed to high temperatures.

Freezing

For very long storage of dried chilies, we recommend freezing them. Freezing your dried chilies provides the right environment to maximize their shelf life. Your freezer provides low temperatures, darkness and absence of circulating air, as long as you use a freezer bag. The freezer also protects your peppers from pests and mold.
It's important to put the peppers in the freezer separately from each other so that they don't stick together and get damaged once you take them out of the freezer. When the peppers are completely frozen, you can store them in an airtight freezer bag with a date sticker on it. If you need a dried pepper you can easily take it out, let it thaw and/or rinse it under lukewarm water. After this, the peppers can be used again as a regular dried pepper.