Peppers are crunchy, colorful and suitable for adding flavor to different dishes. However, if you don't store them properly, they tend to get mushy and rot in a short time. It is important to keep them in the refrigerator to prevent them from spoiling. If you want them to last a long time, you can choose to freeze them. Be that as it may, don't hesitate to throw them away if you notice they're slimy or moldy.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Store Whole Peppers
Step 1. Don't wash them if you don't intend to use them right away
In the refrigerator, residual moisture will spoil them even faster. Only wash them when you are ready to cook them.
If you have already washed them, wait until they are completely dry before placing them in the refrigerator. You can dab them gently with kitchen paper
Step 2. Put the peppers in a mesh bag for vegetables
Being hauled it will let the air pass freely. If you don't have such a bag, you can use a perforated plastic bag.
- Do not close the bag or bag to allow air to pass through, so that the peppers stay fresh.
- Do not put the peppers in an airtight bag or container or they will spoil more quickly.
Step 3. Put the bag of peppers in the vegetable drawer
In that part of the refrigerator they will keep fresh and crisp longer. Try to make sure they have a lot of space; if the drawer is too full, the vegetables will be short-lived.
Don't keep the peppers in the same drawer that the fruit is in. Fruits release a gas called ethylene which causes all vegetables to ripen and rot more quickly
Step 4. Throw away the mushy peppers
Squeeze them gently between your fingers to assess their consistency. If they are smooth and firm, it means that they are also good to eat raw. If, on the other hand, they seem spongy or wrinkled, it is certainly better to cook them. Finally, if they are slimy or very mushy, throw them away.
- If you notice mold on the peppers, throw them away even if you have recently bought them.
- Whole peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Method 2 of 3: Storing the Peppers After Cutting Them
Step 1. Wrap the chopped peppers with kitchen paper
This is to prevent them from becoming slimy or mushy in the refrigerator.
Step 2. Close them in an airtight bag or container
Leave them wrapped in paper and make sure the bag or container is tightly closed. Arrange the peppers this way within 2 hours of slicing them to prevent them from spoiling.
Step 3. Place the peppers in a drawer or on a shelf at the top of the refrigerator
Since they are already sliced and closed in a container that protects them from the air, they do not need to be inside a drawer.
Step 4. Discard the peppers after 3 days of slicing them
Once cut they won't last long. If you notice them starting to get mushy or moldy, throw them away, even if they haven't been in the fridge for long.
Method 3 of 3: Freeze the Peppers
Step 1. Slice the peppers before placing them in the freezer
Whole will not keep as well. Remove the stalk with the knife and then cut the peppers in half to be able to remove the seeds. Then cut them as required by the recipe you intend to prepare in the future.
Step 2. Spread the pepper pieces on a tray or baking sheet
Arrange them to form a single layer, avoiding overlapping, otherwise they could stick together during the freezing phase.
Step 3. Put the peppers in the freezer for an hour
Place the pan or tray in the freezer and check that they do not come into contact with any other food or surface. After an hour, take them out of the freezer.
Step 4. Transfer the peppers to a food-freezing bag or airtight container
By using a bag you will get a better result. After filling it with peppers, gently squeeze it to let out as much air as possible before closing it. If you intend to use a plastic or glass container, make sure the lid makes it airtight. Return the peppers to the freezer.
Write today's date on the outside of the bag or container using a permanent marker or label. Generally, peppers can last up to a year if they are stored in the freezer. However, if they appear discolored or shriveled, throw them away
Step 5. Let them thaw if you want to eat them raw
Move them to the refrigerator a day in advance so they have time to thaw. Alternatively you can use the "defrost" function of the microwave oven.
Step 6. If you intend to cook them, put them in the pot still frozen
Don't let them thaw if you plan to eat them cooked. Follow the directions in the recipe and put them directly into the pot.
Advice
- You can freeze peppers raw or after roasting them.
- Unlike other vegetables, peppers do not need to be blanched before placing them in the freezer.
- You can dry the peppers or put them in preserves to make them last a long time.
