Can You Ferment Frozen Peppers? [10 Step PROCESS]

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How many of you have picked peppers from the garden and don’t know what to do?

In that case, you can freeze the extra peppers later. Let’s get to this topic –

Can you ferment frozen peppers?

Frozen peppers can be fermented. Put the frozen peppers on a plate, strainer, or anywhere they may drain while thawing. All the peppers need to be stored at room temperature and they do not require any external heat to defrost thoroughly. Ferment them in the same way as you would fresh peppers.

We know you’d need more specific information. So, to understand more about this subject, let’s get to the root of it-

Fermenting Frozen Peppers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fermenting frozen peppers is an easy process to preserve your peppers. Fermented frozen peppers can be used to produce a spicy sauce.

So the pulp can be used to flavor meats and stews. However, the peppers can be used in dishes to offer more heat and tang.

What You’ll Need for Frozen Pepper Fermentation

Fermenting frozen peppers doesn’t involve many tools. But you will need the following before you begin:

A few freshly chopped peppers: You may use any pepper you choose. However, if you’re preparing a spicy sauce, you know which one to choose achiote and ancho. In this case, jalapenos and habaneros are excellent substitutes as well. Sweeter peppers, such as pepperoncini, serranos, etc., can give a gentler flavor.

It’s optional to add garlic or onions: It’s possible that you won’t need to add garlic or onions to your fermented frozen peppers.

Sea salt: You may prepare your brine with regular table salt. But for the finest flavor, use coarse sea salt. One heaping spoonful of salt is required for every quart of water used.

A starter that is fermenting: To ferment your frozen peppers, you may use a variety of ingredients. The use of a starter aids in speeding up the fermentation process. It also keeps your peppers from being contaminated. You may use sauerkraut, kimchi, whey from sifting yogurt, sourdough juice, or a vegetable starter.

Water, either boiled or distilled: You’ll need water to disinfect your glass jars before fermentation. To prepare your fermenting brine, you must use purified or boiling water.

Airtight glass jars: Canning jars with metal and rubber-gasket tops are often ideal for fermenting peppers. You might use old pickle jars or canning jars.

If you want to buy glass jars, here is an excellent place to start:

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A mixing bowl is required: Combine the fermenting brine in a clean mixing dish.

A knife: Before fermenting, you must chop your peppers. You can roughly cut your peppers depending on how you intend to utilize them. The shorter it takes for peppers to ferment, the smaller you chop them.

A big pot: When fermenting your frozen peppers, disinfect your glass jars by boiling them.

A pair of rubber gloves: Using surgical or cleaning gloves when cutting and washing peppers is always a good idea. Even though you’re working with lesser peppers, the cayenne in the peppers can hurt your hands. So use gloves while handling them.

Fermentation Steps

When you’ve assembled your ingredients, it’s time to begin fermentation. You must complete the following steps.

So let’s get started now-

Step 1: Glass Jars Should Be Cleaned

Before beginning to ferment peppers, put your glass jars and caps in the pot of water. To sanitize your glass jars and lids, boil the water for at least 15 minutes.

Be careful when you are boiling on the stove. Otherwise, it’ll take more time to disinfect the jars.

Jump to the next step once the jars have been sterilized and cooled enough to hold.

Step 2: Preparation and Cutting of the Peppers

Clean your frozen peppers carefully before chopping them into bits. The thinner you dice your frozen peppers, the quicker they ferment.

Step 3: Fill the Glass Jars with Water

Slice the peppers, and place them in the glass jars. You need to press the peppers down firmly after each layer.

You must load the glass jars halfway with peppers, carrying 2 inches of a gap at the top.

Step 4: Make Your Brine

While making your brine, use sterilized water. Or you can just include purified or boiling water.

You must mix one generous spoonful of salt into one quart of water.

Interesting further reading – Orange Stuff When Cleaning Shrimp? | Lamb Stock Substitutes | Veal Stock Alternatives

Step 5: Strain the Brine into a Glass Jar

In this step, you need to fill the jars completely with brine. However, you need to leave 2 inches of space at the top.

Step 6: Pour in Your Fermentation Starter

After filling your glass jars with brine, place your fermentation starter straight into your jars. Press the peppers into the jar with a clean spoon or bread knife one last time.

Don’t forget to ensure that there’s no leakage.

Step 7: Close the Jar

Now you must eliminate all the air pockets and compress the peppers down. Then, make sure the tops are tightly affixed to the glass jars.

However, the peppers might be contaminated if you don’t obtain a good seal. So, tighten the cap as much as possible.

Step 8: Store Your Jars in a Dark Place

Place your filled jars in a dark area, such as a closet, pantry, or covered pot. You see, peppers ferment best in a warm atmosphere. Generally, the temperature should be between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 9: Open the Jar’s Cap regularly

Check on your frozen peppers daily for the first two weeks of fermentation. Your peppers might start to bubble. And the liquid level will grow as the peppers ferment.

If the pressure in your jar rises, so will the liquid level. Then, gently remove the jar cover to enable the airflow to equalize and start fermentation.

Step 10: Be Consistent

It takes about a month for the peppers to ferment. So, you should wait 45 to 90 days before eating them to be safe. While you’re waiting, keep checking on fermenting peppers. Make sure no harmful fungus is developing.

When your frozen peppers have finished fermenting, you may utilize them for various purposes. Such as spicy sauce, as an ingredient in pizza, pasta, or eat it as a pickle.

How Long Does Frozen Pepper Fermentation Take?

On average, the more your frozen peppers ferment, the tastier. The fermentation phase varies greatly depending on whether you use a starter and slice peppers roughly.

Fermentation will require around five and seven days when you use finely diced peppers. And a starter, such as a yogurt whey, sauerkraut juice, yeast, or sourdough.

However, the longer you keep your peppers to ferment, the tastier they will be. You should probably wait a month before eating them.

A month is the absolute minimum, although it’s necessary for the best flavor. Allow at least three months before trying to open your fermented frozen peppers. Generally, you must wait as long as needed before opening glass jars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is freezing effective at stopping fermentation?

A straightforward approach is to keep your spicy sauce in the fridge or freezer. The cold temperatures will significantly slow the bacteria. And it will stop them from reproducing and fermenting.

Is it possible to develop botulism from fermenting peppers?

No. Botulism does not appreciate the environment created by fermenting foods.

Can fermented foods make you sick?

Though most fermented foods are harmless. But they can get infected with bacteria that can cause sickness.

Final Words

We hope you finally know the answer- can you ferment frozen peppers?

If you plan on freezing extra peppers for fermenting in the future, vacuum seals them. However, placing them in a ziplock bag with all air removed can help to retain freshness!

That’s all for now, people. Have fun fermenting!