Seasons/Availability
Carolina Reaper chile peppers are available mid-summer through fall.
Uses
Carolina Reaper chile peppers are a popular choice for hot sauces, salsas, and condiments due to their intense heat. They may also be chopped, diced, or blended into marinades and rubs for grilled meats and veggies. When cooking with Carolina Reapers, it’s important to wear gloves or use caution when handling the peppers as they may cause irritation to skin and eyes. The peppers are excellent for adding flavor and spiciness to pizzas, stews, chili con carne, tacos, and other Mexican dishes. Carolina Reaper chiles may also be dried for preservation purposes as well as used in spice dry rubs.
Nutritional Value
Carolina Reaper chile peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as capsaicin, the compound that gives chiles their heat. In addition, they provide small amounts of dietary fiber, potassium, and magnesium.
Storage
Carolina Reaper chile peppers should be stored in a cool dry place; when kept at room temperature, the peppers can last for up to 14 days. For extended storage in the refrigerator or freezer, store whole peppers in a zip-top bag with air removed and they will last up to 6 months. To freeze Carolina Reapers for longer storage time, it’s best to first blanch the peppers by boiling them briefly before submerging them in ice water. Once frozen solid on baking sheets, the peppers can be stored in freezer bags for up to 12 months.
