Overview Red Chili is cultivated and processed in many parts of the world. The flavours range from mildly hot to extremely spicy. Common Uses Red Chili is used in stews, soups and in bean dishes. Chili ice cream as well as chili chocolate are two relatedly new dessert concepts that are enjoyed all over the world. Hispanic cuisine is known for having red chili as an ingredient. It is a perfect addition to tomato-based stews, sauces and soups. Peanut and sesame seed oils are enhanced with red chili when used in oriental noodle dishes. Recommended Storage The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking. Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won't do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.