Brightly colored fresh bell peppers make a delicious addition to any dish. However, if peppers are not stored properly, they can rot before they can be used. It's important to store whole or chopped peppers in the refrigerator so they don't go bad. If you want to keep them fresh for a long time, you can try freezing them. Just make sure you throw away any peppers that turn sticky or moldy.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Storing Whole Peppers
Step 1. Store the peppers without washing them first
The liquid that sticks to the peppers can speed up the process of spoiling in the refrigerator. Wait until you are ready to cook the peppers before washing them.
If you've already washed the peppers, make sure the surface is completely dry before putting them in the refrigerator. Pat the peppers dry with a paper towel
Step 2. Put the peppers in a special vegetable bag
The vegetable bag is shaped like a net so the peppers can get a lot of air. If you don't have a vegetable bag, you can use a perforated grocery bag.
- Do not tie or tie a knot to close the bag. You need airflow to keep the peppers fresh.
- Do not store peppers in an airtight bag. This will make the vegetables rot faster.
Step 3. Place the peppers on the vegetable rack in the refrigerator
The rack will keep the peppers fresh and crunchy. Spread the peppers as much as possible. If the rack is too full, the peppers may rot more quickly.
Do not store peppers on the same shelf as fruit. Fruits can release ethylene gas which causes vegetables to rot more quickly
Step 4. Discard the peppers that are too mushy
Gently press the pepper skin with your fingertips. If the skin feels stiff and smooth, the quality is still good. If it feels lumpy and wrinkled, you'll need to cook it before eating. If the peppers feel mushy and sticky, throw them away.
- If you find mold on the peppers, throw them away, no matter how long they have been stored.
- Whole peppers can be stored for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Method 2 of 3: Storing the Chopped Peppers
Step 1. Wrap the chopped peppers with kitchen paper
Kitchen towels will keep the peppers from turning too sticky or soggy in the refrigerator.
Step 2. Put the chopped peppers in an airtight bag or plastic bag
Wrap the peppers in kitchen paper. The container used must be tightly closed. Do this a maximum of 2 hours after cutting so it doesn't rot.
Step 3. Place the chopped peppers on the top shelf of the refrigerator
Since the peppers are already chopped and stored in a sealed container, they don't need to be added to the vegetable rack.
Step 4. Discard pieces of peppers that are more than 3 days old
Pepper strips don't last long. If the pieces start to stick or get moldy, throw them away, no matter how long they've been in the refrigerator.
Method 3 of 3: Freezing Peppers
Step 1. Slice or chop the peppers before freezing
Bell peppers can only be frozen when they are cut into small pieces. Cut the stems and cut the peppers in half. Remove the seeds inside with a spoon before chopping the peppers as needed.
Step 2. Spread the peppers on a cake pan or tray
Arrange so that the peppers do not overlap. Don't pile the peppers so they don't stick to each other while freezing.
Step 3. Freeze the cake pan for 1 hour
Place the cake pan in the refrigerator. Make sure nothing is touching the top of the peppers. After an hour, remove the pan from the refrigerator.
Step 4. Place the frozen peppers in a special freezer bag or airtight bag
Use a special freezer bag for best results. After stuffing the peppers in, remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. If you use a container, make sure it has a tight lid. Put the peppers back on the rack in the refrigerator.
Write the freezing date on the bag or storage container with a marker. Bell peppers can last up to a year in the refrigerator. If the peppers start to discolor or shrivel, throw them away immediately
Step 5. Thaw the peppers if you want to eat them raw
To thaw frozen peppers, you'll need to transfer them to the refrigerator one day before using them. You can use the defrost setting on the microwave.
Step 6. Cook the peppers while they are still frozen
Do not thaw peppers that are about to cook. However, just add paprika to your recipe.
Tips
- You can freeze roasted peppers or raw peppers.
- Unlike other vegetables, bell peppers do not need to be boiled before freezing.
- Bell peppers can be stored canned or dried to make them last longer.
