This age-old recipe for preserving spicy peppers in vinegar, handed down from the past, requires only two ingredients: spicy peppers and plain, cold vinegar.
These pickled peppers can last for years in jars and serve as a flavorful addition to soups and stews.
This recipe is part of my canning collection. If you like this recipe, you might also like this article about How To Salt Preserve Herbs, where I show you a great technique to preserve beautiful dill or other herbs for the cold season.
Also, this Red Peppers in Mustard Sauce recipe is a great way to preserve red peppers and serve them with rosted meats in winter.
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Preserving Spicy Peppers
Perhaps you've grown a multitude of spicy peppers in your garden or bought a bunch from a Farmer's Market, and now you're unsure of how to use them.
The most efficient way to manage them is by preserving them. You may be wondering how to do this - I'll guide you through one of the simplest recipes available.
As the cool breeze of September sets in and the Farmer's Market brims with a variety of vegetables, it's an ideal time to preserve fruits and vegetables.
Being from Minnesota, it's crucial to make the most out of the short summers we have. The Farmer's Market opens its doors in June and closes by early October. Therefore, if I wish to preserve vegetables for the winter months, now is the time.
Each year varies depending on the locally available vegetables. I enjoy preserving a variety of items, such as cucumbers, cauliflower, red peppers, carrots, and green tomatoes.
For some, I use vinegar, and for others, brine is a healthier alternative due to the probiotics obtained through natural fermentation.
Note:
This particular recipe for preserving peppers is meant for spicy peppers that serve as condiments for winter soups and stews. It is NOT intended for bell peppers, cauliflower, carrots, beans, or cucumbers. If these peppers aren't meant for condiment use, you might need to seek other preservation methods as this recipe might not suit your needs.
Preserving these spicy peppers in vinegar is one of the most straightforward recipes for canning.
Its simplicity requires almost no instructions. It is a time-honored method of preserving these peppers for winter use, adding a kick to soups and stews.
What kinds of peppers are suitable for this simple recipe?
There's a myriad of spicy peppers suitable for this recipe. I've listed a few:
Jalapeno pepper, Fresno chili pepper (not the Fresno Bell pepper), Serrano pepper, Habanero pepper, Cayenne pepper, Thai (Bird's eye chili peppers), Aleppo peppers, Shishito peppers, Tabasco peppers, Ghost peppers, Hungarian Wax peppers, Dutch Red chili peppers, Peri-Peri peppers, and Scotch Bonnet peppers.
The jars don't require a water bath, as vinegar effectively eliminates botulism. Ensure the vinegar you use has a minimum of 5% acetic acid.
I follow this process every autumn to preserve spicy peppers. My daughter particularly enjoys them in soups like traditional Saxon potato tarragon soup, during winter.
For those who can handle the heat, these peppers are a fantastic addition to any soup or stew.
Stored properly, the preserved peppers can last for years on the shelves, unless consumed within a season.
The vibrant and colorful jars make great holiday gifts for family and friends.
A Few Notes Before You Begin
Several readers inquired about the preservation process for this easy recipe.
- Start by ensuring the jars are clean. Wash them with warm water and soap or run them through a dishwasher cycle. Sterilize them thoroughly. Here is a link explaining the sterilization process.
- When sterilizing lids, avoid placing them with the jars in the same pot. I clean them with warm water and soap, dry them well, then submerge them in boiling water for the last 2 minutes.
- If any lids seem old or rusty, replace them. While recent guidelines no longer recommend boiling lids, I suggest submerging them in hot water for a few minutes before use for added safety. (Refer to this link for further guidance.)
- The peppers and their stems should be fully covered with vinegar. Use vinegar with at least 5% acidity. Do not dilute the vinegar unless specified in the recipe.
- Vinegar effectively combats botulism, so it's crucial to follow the recipe accurately.
- The peppers should be washed and cleaned with their stems left intact. While you can trim the stems, there's no need to remove them completely.
Common Queries From Readers
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
No, the jars do not need either process, as the vinegar prevents fermentation. The peppers can be preserved for years without any issues. Simply sterilize the jars before filling them.
When I sterilize the lids, I do not put them together with the jars. I clean them in warm water with soap and dry them well, then I boil some water and add them for the last 2 minutes to sit in that hot water.
The new guideline is not even to boil the lids, but for my peace of mind, I think you should place them in hot water for at least a few minutes before you use them. (Here is the link for that: https://www.freshpreserving.com/canning-lids-101.html).
Old or rusty lids should be replaced for better results.
The peppers and their stems should be completely submerged in vinegar.
No, it doesn’t matter. Just ensure all peppers are submerged in vinegar.
No, the vinegar isn't heated.
No, store them in a cool pantry, cellar, or unheated basement.
This is a canning method, not quick pickling. I do not recommend it. You would end up with different stages of the pickling process as you keep adding peppers to a jar with older peppers already marinating inside.
You also create a great environment for bacteria to develop because you keep opening the sterilized jar to add more peppers.
Solution: I would look for a smaller jar to preserve a small batch of peppers or find other ways to preserve just a few of them (you could dry or freeze them, for example).
Any vinegar that has 5% acidity or more can be used.
You can, but I do not recommend it. Your cauliflower and carrots will be very spicy as they will take the taste of the peppers. I would keep the recipe as it is.
They will not float if you put them right next to each other and as many as they fit without breaking them. Pack them tightly without crushing them.
Adding extra ingredients will change the recipe. Please find a recipe that includes these additions. No, you do not need to boil anything.
Follow the recipe, please. It will tell you exactly what you need to do.
If it's not already on the site, then it's not available.
Please stick to the recipe for the best results.
Yes, opened jars should be refrigerated. Unused jars can be stored in a cool pantry. They can last a long time.
Vinegar is a great preservative. I throw them away in the summer if they end up sitting in the fridge for a few months and make a new batch when the hot peppers are available at the Farmers Market.
Final word:
I know many of us are used to the canning process where the jars seal completely, creating that distinctive 'pop' sound when you open them later. However, this recipe doesn't work quite like that.
Since we are using cold vinegar and not processing the jars in a hot water bath, they won't seal in the way jars do when you are doing traditional canning.
The vinegar essentially acts as a preservative, allowing the peppers to last for years without that vacuum seal.
Just make sure your jars are clean and you close them tightly. Rest assured, even without the 'pop,' your peppers will be well-preserved, ready to add a splash of heat to your dishes even years down the line!
What to serve with these peppers
Complement these peppers with these hearty soups and stews:
Soups:
Chicken Soup With Sour Cream And Garlic
Stews:
Interested in more preservation recipes?
Enjoy!
📖 Recipe
Canning Hot Peppers in Vinegar - Easy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound hot peppers
- 14 ounces white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar with at least 5% or more acidity
- sterilized jars and lids
Instructions
- Clean the jars. The jars need to be sterilized by boiling them for 10 minutes in a pot of water on the stove.
- Wash and clean the hot peppers. Remove leaves, dirt and any bad peppers.
- When the sterilizing time is up, remove and drain hot sterilized jars one at a time.
- Fill and pack the jars with peppers, as many as they fit tight inside.
- Pour vinegar over them to fill up the jars. Add lids, and tighten screw bands.
- The peppers need to sit in vinegar for at least one month before they are ready to be consumed.
- Great with soups or as a condiment in stews. They last in a cool place for years.
Gwenda says
Will the lids be sealed on the peppers.
Steve says
The strangest recipe I've ever seen. Also spending a huge amount of time arguing with oneself to get to wordcount is a shocker. In any case, just what I was looking for, chilies ready, vinegar, whack the lid on, job done. nice one!
The Bossy Kitchen says
So easy that it became strange, I know. As for how long or short is the article, sigh...the life of a blogger... Glad you are trying the strangest recipe you've ever seen though, it makes me happy. 🙂
Liana says
You are hilarious. Reading your responses to people's questions was cracking me up. Can't wait to try this recipe after work today.
The Bossy Kitchen says
The life of a blogger....sigh... 🙂
Debra says
Can I use the white screw on lids (that have a rubbery substance on the inside top) provided I sterilize them first to preserve hot peppers in 5% cider vinegar?
The Bossy Kitchen says
Yes, you can.
Joseph says
Just opened my firs jar from last years November harvest did sweet and hot together wow dynamite. what a pleasant surprise great just down rite great. crisp hot were hot sweet stayed sweet ..so my advice to all just follow the recipe ,,,,I mean like its so flipping easy ,,,thank you ,girl 15 variety of peppers goin in for this year get canning !!!!!!!
The Bossy Kitchen says
This is the best comment ever! Thank you for coming back and taking the time to write a review! I am happy you like the recipe! You are right! It is so flipping easy! 🙂
Laura says
I have canned peppers several and after a period of time, the vinegar eats the lids to the point they crumble. Is there a way to prevent this?
The Bossy Kitchen says
The vinegar will corrode the lids unless you use Ball Mason jars, or Kerr, or Kilner. The lids are coated, and they will not suffer from the vinegar. The Kilner jars have an airtight seal that helps. Also, it is best if the vinegar doesn't touch the lids. If you re-use the jars, make sure you do not re-use the lids. Buy new ones.
Connie F Thornton says
Does the vinger give the pepper a different taste when you store this way
The Bossy Kitchen says
I am not sure what do you mean by "different taste". The peppers are preserved/pickled in vinegar.
Susan A. Robinson says
Do the lids need to seal? Or are they ok because of the vinegar? I used your receipe and 1 out of 4 jars sealed.
Kimberlytideswell says
Should I use fresh picked peppers? Or dried ones?
The Bossy Kitchen says
Only fresh peppers, please.
Marc Freedman says
Really, are you serious? Not much of a recipe.
The Bossy Kitchen says
Exactly, that easy!
Michael Desrosiers says
@Marc Freedman, Yes that easy, mind boggling isn't it?
Sharon says
Hi! Thanks for the pretty straightforward recipe! Have you ever tried Serrano or jalapeños with this recipe ? I have a ton of those. Thanks in advance!
The Bossy Kitchen says
Hi, You can definitely try Serrano or Jalapenos. Great idea!
tony says
My mother canned her peppers this way. She did add 2 tablespoons of salt in addition to the vinegar. Do you feel this is okay?
The Bossy Kitchen says
Yes, you can add salt.
Elise says
Rofl! The comments you receive! Well this straight forward recipe is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
The Bossy Kitchen says
🙂 you are very welcome!
Lisa says
Will the jars seal on their own?
Al says
Can I add a little olive oil to the vinegar
The Bossy Kitchen says
No, oil is not part of the recipe. Please do not add anything else besides the vinegar.