Ristras are Strings of Chiles

The Spanish word for strings is ristras, so a ristra is a string of chiles. It’s also possible to string garlic in the same manner. It is a method of preservation to save foods for use throughout the year.

Chiles are allowed to ripen until they turn a bright red color, and they can then be dried in the sun and strung together in ristras. Because the green chiles are more perishable, it’s best to roast them and freeze them if you want to save green chiles for use later on in the year.

Two kinds of chiles are dried and used to create a ristra. The sandia chile and the piquin chile. Sandia is a large, milder flavored chile, and the tiny piquin chile has a much hotter flavor. Both make a nice ristra for decorating the home.

If you hang a ristra on or near your door, it’s a sign of welcome. They can be sprayed with lacquer to help them last longer. If not sprayed with lacquer, they can be used for food throughout the year.