# What to do with a bunch of habaneros and Carolina reaper peppers-- make hot sauce? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [October 23, 2020, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677 "2020-10-23T12:38:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2020, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/1 "2020-10-23T12:38:38Z")
My brother-in-law, knowing I like hot peppers, gave me a brown paper lunch sack full of them from his garden. But there’s no way I’m going to make enough jerk chicken or ridiculously hot salsa to make a dent in them before they go bad. So how can I make the best use of them? I’m thinking I could make a hot sauce out of them. Any good recipes? How long would the hot sauce last-- it should last awhile, right? I know Tabasco is aged like 3 years before it’s even sold, so I imagine a batch of hot sauce would be good refrigerated for some time to come. Any good ideas for a use other than hot sauce, I’m all ears. BTW, I’m pretty sure I asked a very similar question several years ago about a bountiful harvest of habaneros I had from my own garden, but I had no luck finding it. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2020, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/2 "2020-10-23T12:48:59Z")
When I found myself in a similar situation a few years back, I dried them in the oven, then powdered them. The powder stays good indefinitely, as long as you keep it dry (though I think the heat diminishes with age), and as an added bonus, your kitchen will smell amazing while you’re doing it. To dry the peppers, puncture each of them (so moisture can escape from inside), put them on a baking sheet, and set the oven to its lowest setting for 6 or 8 hours. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2020, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/3 "2020-10-23T12:53:05Z")
Hey, that’s a good idea, @Chronos, if I don’t go the hot sauce route. Thanks! Ooh, that gives me an idea-- maybe dry them in a smoker, and make Chipotle-style hot pepper powder. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2020, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/4 "2020-10-23T13:28:44Z")
Hot peppers freeze really well. You can also pickle some of them. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2020, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/5 "2020-10-23T13:33:30Z")
A couple good ideas, thanks. Hmmm…pick a peck of pickled peppers? Maybe. But hot sauce is basically pickled peppers in liquid form, right? Come on capsaicin connoisseurs, let’s see a good hot sauce recipe or two! ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2020, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/6 "2020-10-23T13:45:19Z")
> [@solost](#): > > {…} I know Tabasco is aged like 3 years before it’s even sold, so I imagine a batch of hot sauce would be good refrigerated for some time to come. {…} Where ‘aged’ means peppers and salt are put in a barrel and left for three years. After that they strain it and add vinegar. Two year old Tabasco ain’t even close to ‘sauce’. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2020, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/7 "2020-10-23T14:04:32Z")
Oh, they age the peppers _before_ they add the vinegar; interesting, thanks. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2020, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/8 "2020-10-23T14:37:17Z")
[https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/black-bean-and-habanero-salsa-50153975](https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/black-bean-and-habanero-salsa-50153975) One of my favourites and if you’re canning it use corn then add the avocado just before serving. You could also make a pretty killer curry as well. > **[Ghost Pepper Chicken Curry](https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-recipes/chicken/ghost-pepper-chicken-curry/)** > > A recipe for quick and easy chicken curry made extra spicy with an addition of ghost pepper and other chili peppers. Chili Pepper Madness style. I haven’t tried this yet but I’m planning on using a Reaper instead of the Jolokia. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2020, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/9 "2020-10-23T14:44:06Z")
Thanks swampspruce, it’s been awhile since I made a nice curry, and that recipe sounds good with a reaper added. I think I have plans for our Sunday supper now. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2020, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/10 "2020-10-23T15:01:46Z")
If you know any brewers who would like to make a pepper stout, contact them and chat. Our friend/neighbor supplied bushels of her peaches to a brewery, and we enjoyed the peach sour. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2020, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/11 "2020-10-23T17:52:45Z")
You’re very welcome. What should I bring? 😁 ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2020, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/12 "2020-10-23T17:56:30Z")
I don’t know, what kind of wine goes with a spicy curry-- or is beer a better pairing, maybe a nice IPA? Oh, just bring both 😉 ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2020, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/13 "2020-10-23T17:58:24Z")
Ok, a nice bottle of Gewurztraminer and a 6 pack of kingfisher it is. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2020, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/14 "2020-10-23T23:03:21Z")
Since no one else has mentioned it, you can also carefully clean them, roast them, and put a number of them in a bottle of a neutral spirit such as vodka. Put aside for 6 months, giving a shake every week or so. Then use anywhere you need in mixed drinks, shots, or cooking. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2020, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/15 "2020-10-23T23:26:28Z")
> [@Johnny\_Bravo](#): > > Hot peppers freeze really well. This bears repeating. I’ll grow Habaneros each year in my garden, and always end up with more than can stay good beyond a week or so in the fridge. So, I’ll freeze them, and they’ll be mostly fine when thawed. I say “mostly,” because when thawed, they’ll be mushy, not crispy. But if all you plan to do is use them in salsa, chili, or similar, they’ll be fine. ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2020, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/16 "2020-10-25T05:59:42Z")
Pepper jelly? ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2020, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/17 "2020-10-25T06:04:04Z")
Pepper jellies are awesome. My mom made me a jar of peach habanero jelly. I don’t generally like peach anything, but that stuff was amazing. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [October 25, 2020, 9:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/18 "2020-10-25T09:31:16Z")
Spicy chili pepper is good in hot chocolate, but I would not throw entire pods in unless it is relatively mild like an ancho. Better to use chilli powder or the alcohol infusion. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2020, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/19 "2020-10-26T13:27:58Z")
> [@swampspruce](#): > > You could also make a pretty killer curry as well. > [https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-recipes/chicken/ghost-pepper-chicken-curry/](https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-recipes/chicken/ghost-pepper-chicken-curry/) > I haven’t tried this yet but I’m planning on using a Reaper instead of the Jolokia. So I did make this curry for dinner yesterday. Thanks again @swampspruce! I used one of the smaller Reaper peppers-- approximately acorn-sized. Sweet dear lord was it hot! My wife and I are both lovers of spicy food, and it was borderline what we could tolerate. My eyes were watering and my sinuses were cleared out. But I had seconds! It was painfully good. Surprisingly, my 15 year old ate it without batting an eye, like it wasn’t spicy at all. We asked him “don’t you think that’s really hot?” and he was like “eh”. He might have been born without capsaicin receptors. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2020, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677/20 "2020-10-26T14:48:45Z")
Glad to hear this! Looks like I may be putting a curry together this week! Yeah, my youngest has way more tolerance for heat than I did at his age; then again I was raised on Heinz chili sauce as being spicy and Tabasco was madness territory. 😄 FWIW, the next time you make killer spicy Indian food, raita is your friend. > **[Traditional Indian Raita](https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/traditional-indian-raita-242185)** > > Can't take the heat? Then eat some raita. In India, the condiment is used to cool the palate. Kinda like Indian tzaziki, and really good with warm naan! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-a-bunch-of-habaneros-and-carolina-reaper-peppers-make-hot-sauce/923677.md?page=2)