How to Freeze Peppers for Year-Round Enjoyment
You may end up with an abundance of peppers for a variety of reasons—perhaps a surprise bounty from a CSA delivery or maybe you wisely bought a bulk load of seasonal peppers at your local farmer’s market and now need a way to store them.
Regardless of the reason, freezing peppers is a simple and effective way to avoid food waste. It requires minimal effort and no special equipment. Plus, when cooked, frozen peppers taste just as fresh, making it a smart choice for preserving them.
The Best Method for Freezing Fresh Peppers
Bell peppers and hot chili peppers are the best varieties to freeze. You can opt to freeze them whole or chopped—slicing or dicing makes them more space-efficient in the freezer and easier to use in meals when you only need a portion.
Before freezing your peppers, take a moment to inspect them. Any peppers with blemishes or soft spots should be used right away in cooked dishes, as they won't freeze well.
There's no need to blanch peppers before freezing. Unlike other vegetables, peppers retain their color naturally in the freezer, and blanching would actually dull their flavor. Small peppers can be frozen whole in an airtight container for convenience.
How to Freeze Whole Peppers:
- Wash and dry the peppers thoroughly.
- Cut off the stems and slice off the tops.
- Remove the seeds and inner membranes.
- Reattach the tops and wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap.
- Place each wrapped pepper into a zip-top freezer bag, press out any excess air, seal the bag, and label it with the date.
How to Freeze Chopped Peppers:
- Rinse and dry the peppers thoroughly.
- Remove the stems, seeds, and inner membranes.
- Slice, chop, or cut the peppers into desired shapes—rings, quarters, strips (thick or thin), or dice.
- Pat the cut peppers with paper towels to absorb any moisture. This step is crucial to prevent freezer burn, as peppers have a high water content.
- Arrange the peppers in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the individual pieces into a zip-top bag, press out as much air as possible, seal, and label with the date.
How Long Can Frozen Peppers Last?
After freezing your peppers, how long can you store them before they're no good? The good news is that frozen peppers keep for a while—anywhere from 6 months to a full year. Just be sure to discard them if you notice excess frost or if they become mushy even when frozen.
How to Thaw and Use Frozen Peppers
To thaw frozen peppers, place them in a container in the refrigerator or use the microwave for a quicker thaw. After thawing, pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before use.
The best approach is actually to skip thawing altogether. Once peppers are thawed, they can become mushy. Since frozen peppers are typically used in cooked dishes like stir-fries and soups, there's no need to thaw them—just cook them straight from the freezer.
Large whole peppers, with their seeds removed, are best suited for baked dishes. Stuffed peppers are an ideal use for frozen peppers, as their frozen state makes them easier to handle and they hold their shape, simplifying the stuffing process.
Frozen chopped peppers are a huge time-saver. They cook quickly, and with the prep work already done, you can get dinner on the table faster.
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