What are ristras?

Southwest regions of the United States and parts of Mexico depict decorative chains of whole peppers or pepper pods called Ristras. Ristra consists of varieties of predominantly reddish -brown and brown chili peppers, which are firmly strung for hanging and drying. Although some are only for decorations, others provide dried peppers for cooking. Most of the ristra is composed of peppers, although some inedible types include garlic bulbs.

In the production of ristra, it is generally advisable to choose peppers that are not green or too young. These green varieties are very humid and may be more difficult to dry. The used peppers can include Ancho, Serrano, Polano or Cayenne. Local varieties in New Mexico and Arizona are often used as representative in the region where they are grown. A mixture of pepper types and shapes and size can be used, although for even drying it can work well to hang uniform size pods.

bringing peppers to the chain for hanging usually fromAčná by wrapping the stems with a wire and circling down and around the pepper pods. Upon completion of the strings and ends, the ristra can be suspended from you from you a clock, door or ceiling hook for drying. Hanging in a well -ventilated area is important, so the interior of the peppers will not become moldy of too much moisture. Sunny placement is often the best because it can accelerate the drying time and prevent the inside of the pepper from spoiling and being inedible. Drying time ranges from several weeks to longer, depending on the conditions.

For the use of ristra peppers for cooking, pods or pods can be removed from the bottom of the cluster. Peppers dried on a string can be prepared as for any dried pepper. Rehydrating peppers in water before use is a common method, or can be added dry to a recipe based on supplies such as steamed meat or beans. The burnt rehydrated peppers above the fire grill or the peak of the stove also works well. Smaller varieties can also be used to flavor oil for spices.

Treatment of purely decorative ristra with shellac can add shine and keep it for several years. The peaks often decorate the strips of corn maids and ribbons, whether decorative or edible. Some Ristra manufacturers give up real peppers and craft chains of ceramic, plastic or paper pods for adding southwest elements to the decor.