Make a string of chillies

Brighten up your food and kitchen with this cheery way of storing chillies.
Time to do: autumn

Store chillies in the traditional way by threading them on a string. This is how they do it in Spain and Mexico freshly picked chillies are hung up to dry to strengthen their flavour and boost their heat.

Strings of chillies look great in the kitchen and make lovely Christmas presents too. Harvest chillies in late summer and autumn by cutting them from the plant, leaving a long stalk on each fruit. Use red or green string for a seasonal look, and tie the chillies on in small bunches of four or five in several clusters up the string. Add a parcel label with the variety name on it, if you like, and leave a long piece of string at the top to make a loop for hanging it up.

TIP Chillies contain a strong irritant, so wash your hands thoroughly after handling them and don't rub your eyes.

references: BBC 2011 gardeners book
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