[CH] Grinding chiles
Brandon C Nuttall (bnuttall@kih.net)
Mon, 11 Oct 1999 17:29:01 -0400
Folks,
Brad asked about grinding chiles to make powder. I'm in digest mode, so
forgive me if I repeat something.
For smaller quantities (that is me, a small home grower), I find the hand
operated coffee grinders just fine. I have tried electric grinders and food
processors. In both instances, my opinion is that the resulting powder is
too fine. Also, I have a wife and two children that are intolerant of my
chile habit. Airborn dust is a no-no, especially habanero.
One word about technique: make sure the chiles are dry, not just plastic,
but crackly. If they are not dry enough, they will gum up most coffee
grinders. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you attempt to dry the chiles
(never never habs) in the microwave. Bad things happen when the smoldering
remains of your precious chiles drive your family into the front yard on a
cold February winter's night.
Bye the way, I've moved my 3-year old red Savina (tm etc) inside for the
winter. I've taken it to work as it has outgrown my kitchen. I went to work
today and over the weekend nearly 1 dozen of the almost golf ball-sized
chiles are now reddish orange. I'll harvest this batch in a few days.
If you are overwintering any habs, it is my experience that there may be as
much as 50 to 60 percent leaf drop. Don't worry. I don't feed the plant and
water it only about once a week or so. I don't let the soil completely dry out.
Take care.
Brandon
Frankfort, KY