Most people store bell peppers the wrong way—here’s what to do instead

Key Takeaways

• Store whole raw bell peppers in the refrigerator's crisper drawer, unwashed and unwrapped, for optimal freshness lasting one to two weeks.
• Cut peppers should be stored in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture, extending their freshness for three to five days in the refrigerator.
• To freeze bell peppers, wash and cut them into desired sizes, spread them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or bag for storage up to 12 months.

We love bell peppers for their mild flavor and recipe versatility. There's so much we can do with this vegetable, from slicing them into a stir fry to roasting them for salads and sandwiches. Bell peppers are so integral to many recipes that they are considered part of the holy trinity, after all. But as with any other produce, we may discover we sometimes have bought or grown more than we need, and that means storing them to maintain their optimum freshness.

Bell peppers can be stored in the refrigerator or the freezer, cooked or raw. But how bell peppers are stored can go a long way toward how well they last and how they taste when ready to be used, and that all comes down to a little preparation.

How To Store Whole Raw Bell Peppers

The best option for storing raw bell peppers in the short term is going to be the refrigerator. "For optimal freshness, bell peppers should be refrigerated and stored in the crisper drawer whole and unwashed, which can keep the peppers fresh for up to one-two weeks," says Matt Quiring, Senior Vice President of Nature Fresh Farms.

Should You Store Wrapped Or Unwrapped?

When you buy bell peppers, chances are they come in a plastic wrapping or bag. If that's the case, they can usually be stored in the same packaging as that is formulated to be breathable for the peppers. But if it's loose peppers you are picking up at the store, you are going to need to put those in some sort of breathable, reusable produce bag. 

How To Store Cut Peppers

If you prefer to cut your bell peppers for a recipe and store them in the fridge, they will keep for approximately three to five days if stored in an airtight container in the crisper drawer. "I recommend patting them down prior to storing or adding a paper towel or reusable cloth to the bottom of the container to absorb any additional moisture to extend the shelf life," says Quiring.

How To Store Cooked Bell Peppers

Cooked peppers can be easily stored for later use and can be stored on average for three to five days in the refrigerator. This can come in handy when batch cooking for a week of salads and sandwiches.

"After cooking, allow your peppers to cool down before placing them in an airtight container or resealable bag to avoid additional condensation, which creates sogginess," says Quiring.

How To Freeze Raw Bell Peppers

To keep your peppers long-term, you can freeze them for easy use in stir-fries, soups, and more. For freezing peppers, the best practice is to follow these steps:

1. Wash the bell peppers.
2. Cut them into your desired size.
3. Spread them on a baking sheet.
4. Freeze to avoid the pieces from sticking together.
5. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Peppers can be stored in the freezer, but should be washed and cut prior to freezing. 

Tip

"Freeze them on the sheet pan to avoid pieces sticking together and transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag and store for up to 12 months," says Quiring. Frozen fresh peppers are excellent for stir frys, soups, stews, sauces, and more.

How To Freeze Bell Peppers

You can freeze whole bell peppers. But you may not want to. "They will be a little softer when cooked, though, so keep that in mind," says Ann Ziata, a sommelier and former chef at the Institute of Culinary Education.

To freeze cooked bell peppers:

1. Let them cool down completely.
2. Carefully transfer them to a resealable bag or airtight container.
3. After sealing the bag or container, label the peppers with the date, as you are going to want to defrost and enjoy them within two months to have them still taste their best.

Can Bell Peppers Sit On The Counter?

"If you plan to eat your bell peppers within one to two days, and as long as they have not been previously refrigerated, they can be stored on the counter in a cool, dry place," says Quiring.

How To Tell If A Pepper Has Gone Bad

Fresh and healthy bell peppers should be bright in color, firm to the touch, and have a light and sweet smell. "If you notice any dark spots or mold, sliminess or mushiness, or a sour smell, these are key indicators that your peppers have gone bad," says Quiring.

Frequently asked Questions

Can I store bell peppers in a paper bag?

Yes, you can store bell peppers in a paper bag. An open brown paper bag is great because it lets the peppers breathe, helping to prevent mold. "Storing bell peppers in an open brown paper bag is recommended, as the airflow will help prevent mold from growing," says Ziata.

Can I store bell peppers with other vegetables?

Store bell peppers away from ethylene-producing fruits and veggies like tomatoes and apples, as ethylene can make peppers spoil faster. "Store bell peppers away from produce that emits ethylene, including tomatoes, avocados, apples, bananas, and cantaloupe," says Ziata.

Can I store cooked bell peppers at room temperature?

Cooked bell peppers should not be stored at room temperature because they can spoil quickly. "Cooked bell peppers can spoil quickly at room temperature due to microbial activity and exposure to air," said Quiring. Refrigerate them to keep them fresh and safe from bacteria.

Can I store bell peppers in glass containers?

You can store cut or cooked bell peppers in airtight glass containers. Whole peppers are best kept unwrapped or in their original packaging. "If you are storing fresh-cut bell peppers in an airtight glass container, pat dry the peppers before storing and add a paper towel or reusable cloth to the bottom to absorb additional moisture, which glass typically produces," says Quiring.

Can I store bell peppers in the crisper drawer without a plastic bag?

Storing bell peppers in the crisper drawer without a plastic bag is fine. "Airtight plastic bags can trap too much moisture, and the crisper drawer with the vents open will keep the peppers happy," says Ziata.

Can I store bell peppers in the freezer without blanching?

There's no need to blanch bell peppers before freezing. "The color and flavor will not be compromised by freezing, so there's no need to blanch," says Ziata.

Read the original article on Southern Living