If you want to speed up the drying time, use an oven instead. However, this is my least favorite method: ovens aren’t designed for low-temperature drying, which can lead to uneven drying and affect the flavor. Watch the peppers closely for the best outcome.

The diversity in paprika types, from sweet to hot and smoked, offers a range of flavors - sweet, earthy, bold, and smoky. This spice enhances the taste and adds a vibrant red color to dishes like goulash, chicken paprikash, and various rice dishes.

While newbies might think all hot sauces just taste like “hot,” they couldn’t be more wrong. Experienced chili-heads understand that every hot sauce has a complex flavor profile as a result of the various peppers and additional ingredients it contains. From goes-with-everything garlic to  tangy vinegar, sweet fruits, refreshing citrus, and beyond, each hot sauce has a complex flavor that can make or break a dish. Get to know your sauce, read the ingredient list, and try a dash on its own to decide how to best utilize the various layers of deliciousness. 

One of the most popular ways to use dried red pepper pods in Chinese cooking is to create chili oil. This spicy, aromatic oil is made by infusing dried red pepper pods, along with spices like Sichuan peppercorns and star anise, in hot oil. The result is a fragrant and flavorful condiment that adds a delicious kick to dishes like noodles, stir-fries, and dumplings.