How to make cayenne pepper spray | Keep Bugs and Animals Out of your Garden !!!! #gardening #garden
Plant the seeds: Sow the seeds indoors about 8 weeks before the last frost in your area. Use a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Provide sunlight and warmth: Place the seedlings in a sunny spot and maintain a warm temperature (around 70-80°F).
Transplanting: Once the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings are a few inches tall, harden them off and transplant them outdoors to a sunny location with well-draining soil.
Watering and care: Water your cayenne pepper plants regularly, especially during hot weather. They also benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer.
Harvesting: You can start harvesting cayenne peppers when they turn red and plump, typically 60-90 days after transplanting. Use gloves when handling peppers, as the capsaicin (the spicy compound) can irritate your skin.
Processing Cayenne Peppers into Powder or Flakes:
Drying: There are three main methods for drying your cayenne peppers:
Dehydrator: This is the quickest and most efficient method. Slice the peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds (if desired) and dehydrate at around 135°F (57°C) for 8-10 hours, or until completely dry and brittle.
Oven drying: Slice the peppers and remove seeds (if desired). Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and oven dry at the lowest setting (around 150°F / 65°C) with the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. It can take several hours, so check on them periodically.
Air drying: This method takes the longest but requires no equipment. Thread the peppers with a needle and string, leaving space between them. Hang the string in a warm, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Drying can take up to two weeks.
Grinding: Once the peppers are completely dry, grind them into a powder using a spice grinder, blender, or mortar and pestle. Wear gloves and a mask during grinding, as the capsaicin dust can irritate your lungs and eyes.
Storage: Store your homemade cayenne pepper powder or flakes in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.