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.
Diane Patton Heras says
When are they ready to eat?
The Bossy Kitchen says
The recipe card at the bottom of the article tells you. They need at least a month before you can eat them.
Chester Bobo says
Hi, your recipe sounds easy enough. I pickled some pepers last summer and ended up having to throw them away after awhile. There was a fungus film on the top. What I didn't do as sterilize the jars or tops and didn't let them sit for a month before openning them. Would you know what and how this fungus film appeared? I'm looking forward to picking peppers this fall. Thanks and I await your response.
The Bossy Kitchen says
Hi, I am not sure what that fungus film was. You need to sterilize the jars and the lids, as there is nothing worse than getting sick from spoiled food. Make sure the vinegar is at least 5% acidity when you use my recipe. If you follow the instructions, you should be fine.
Todd says
Can I use this recipe for a combination of hot and sweet peppers mixed together I noticed you keep saying this for hot peppers only is this due to the acidity of the hot peppers versus regular peppers
The Bossy Kitchen says
No, but I am sure you can find online more recipes for pickling sweet peppers, this recipe is only for hot peppers.
Michael says
I just happened to search for and received the easiest way to preserve my reaper peppers.
And I have been laughing out loud the entire time at the people who INSIST on deferring from the obvious!!
Your responses KILLED me, thanks for the chuckle and the recipe!!
The Bossy Kitchen says
:-)) Thank you, Michael! I really appreciate your comment!
Roxa says
I have never enjoyed myself more reading Q&A's.
Got any more "stand up" recipes? I'm all in. So can I add a pound of salt use different lids boil it in toilet water and use plastic jars? Are hot peppers a must or can I use corn? Thanks
.
Gabriela says
I'm thrilled to hear you're enjoying the Q&A's - they're a bit like a cooking comedy club, aren't they? 😂
A pound of salt might make your peppers (or corn, if you're going that route) more reminiscent of the Dead Sea than a delightful condiment. However, if you're planning on preserving your peppers for a millennium or two, that might just do the trick.
Boiling in toilet water? Hmm, while I'm all for creative cooking, I think that might add a certain je ne sais quoi that's not quite in line with the flavor profile we're aiming for.
Corn could be an interesting twist. Just be prepared for a milder, sweeter result. It might not have the same kick, but hey, not every comedian tells spicy jokes, right?
Thanks for your humor, you made my day! :-))
Leon says
Can i use food grade plastic buckets ?
The Bossy Kitchen says
Hi Leon, I do not have experience with food grade plastic buckets. I only used glass jars, as they are easier for me to handle after I open them. They also seem to be more sanitary, as you can sterilize them before.
Joseph says
Bin following your recipe for a few years. great one , eating last years and doing my first jar this week using my favorite skinny long pepper called garden salsa. they are available on chili plants.com live plants,,
deb says
love the recipe, very simple. love more your answers to questions!!! you are my kind of person, thank you and God bless you and yours.
The Bossy Kitchen says
Thank you, Deb.
Tammie Cosbie says
Do they seal like other canning items. I'm new to canning.
Tisa says
I've been doing this for 40 yrs but this year I'm having memory problems. Thank you for sharing your recipe, I was able to remember how I did it. I also printed it for next year. LOL Have a blessed day!
Marilyn DeCarteret says
Will straight 5%vinegar cause the metal caps to rust and cause problems?????
The Bossy Kitchen says
They will rust if you fill the jars too much to the point where vinegar touches the caps.
Cathy says
Can you use these peppers in a salad or on sandwiches?
The Bossy Kitchen says
Yes. You can use them to flavor soups and stews. You can chop them small and add them to a salad or a sandwich. Spicy peppers will stay spicy in vinegar. We like them in winter with hot soups and stews, but you can use them in many ways.
Jane says
Thank you for this. I'm putting up my annual 20lbs of Hatch chiles and will do it this way rather than freeze them. I will however roast and peel them first.
The Bossy Kitchen says
I never roasted and peeled the chiles before using them in this recipe, so I cannot tell you if it is a good idea or not. I would, however, be curious to see what you come up with! Please write back and let me know!
tk says
can u put carrots in it too
The Bossy Kitchen says
The article explains in detail what you need to do.
Harvey Norris says
I plan to eat these whole out of the jar. Is this recipe good for that?
The Bossy Kitchen says
Yes, the recipe is exactly for that. We eat them with soups and stews, in sandwiches etc.
Harvey Norris says
If you do whole cayenes,do you need to cut the tops or slit them?
The Bossy Kitchen says
No, you don't need to do anything to them.
First time doing it this one. says
I've sterilized jars, lids and did cut the stems and put it all together. I did boil the vinegar and poured it in. Looks beautiful. I am curious - do you think a few seeds floating make a difference in it staying 'safe'? (again, I boiled the vinegar and poured to top of jars.
Gabriela says
They will be fine, no worries.