If you're anything like me, you love using bell peppers in your cooking. In everything from salads to wraps, they’re the perfect, sweet, crunchy addition. But, how do you store them? Do bell peppers need to be refrigerated? Read on for everything you need to know.
Jump to:
- Should I keep bell peppers in the fridge?
- How long will bell peppers last unrefrigerated?
- What is the best way to store fresh bell peppers?
- Do cut bell peppers need to be refrigerated?
- Can you freeze bell peppers?
- How long do cooked peppers last?
- How do you know if peppers have gone bad?
- Recipes with kale
- Similar articles
- Fast facts
Should I keep bell peppers in the fridge?
Do bell peppers need to be refrigerated? Yes. Storing bell peppers in the refrigerator slows down the ripening process, allowing them to stay fresh and crisp for 7-10 days. If they’re stored on the countertop, their tough exterior will shrivel and they’ll go bad more quickly.
Remember, the better you are at selecting peppers at the grocery store, the longer they’ll last when you bring them home. Be sure to choose firm peppers that are free from any visible signs of spoilage or damage, like browning or sliminess.
How long will bell peppers last unrefrigerated?
How long do peppers last at room temperature? It depends on the ripeness of the pepper when it was picked up from the grocery store. But, in general, 2-3 days. After that time, the peppers will become soft, wrinkled, and lose a lot of their flavor.
The best option is to store bell peppers in the fridge, as they’ll last several days longer. However, if you absolutely can’t access a refrigerator, then your best bet is to find a cool, dark place to store them. The pantry or a cabinet work well.
What is the best way to store fresh bell peppers?
The best way to store bell peppers is definitely in the refrigerator. But, there are some tips and tricks you’ll need to follow to extend their shelf life as long as possible. The key is to reduce humidity, as it can cause your bell peppers to lose their sought after crunch.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A vegetable brush
- Paper towel
- Large ziplock bag
- Airtight container, like glasslock storage containers.
How to store whole bell peppers:
- Wash the bell peppers in cold, running water with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt or debris.
- Pat the peppers dry with a paper towel or clean tea towel.
- Transfer the washed peppers to a plastic bag or large container.
- Store in the crisper drawer in your refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Do cut bell peppers need to be refrigerated?
The answer is a definite yes. Cut bell peppers are highly perishable, so you’ll want to transfer them to the fridge shortly after chopping.
How to store cut bell peppers:
- Wash the bell peppers in cold, running water with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt or debris.
- Pat the peppers dry with a paper towel or clean tea towel.
- Cut peppers as desired.
- Transfer the washed peppers to a plastic bag or airtight container. Be sure to wrap them in a paper towel that can absorb any excess moisture.
- Store in the crisper drawer in your refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Note: This also applies to leftover pepper. For example, if you only use half of a bell pepper, you can store the other half using the method above. It’s best if you can leave the stem and seeds intact.
Can you freeze bell peppers?
If you ever find that you have a surplus of bell peppers, you'll be relieved to know that freezing them is an option.
However, it’s important to know that freezing will change the texture of the pepper once thawed, being less crisp than it once was. So, frozen peppers are most suitable to use in cooked recipes like stir fry.
How to freeze bell peppers:
- Wash the bell peppers in cold, running water with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt or debris.
- Pat the peppers dry with a paper towel or clean tea towel.
- Cut peppers, if desired.
- Transfer the peppers to a plastic bag or airtight container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn
- Label the container with the date.
- Store in your freezer for up to 8 months.
How long do cooked peppers last?
Cooked bell peppers will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Like the raw vegetable, it's best to store them in the refrigerator. Be sure to let the peppers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or plastic bag and transfer to the fridge.
Cooked bell peppers can also be frozen for up to 8 months. Similarly, let the peppers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the freezer. When you're ready to use the peppers, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator. Then reheat them before enjoying.
How do you know if peppers have gone bad?
It's important to know the signs of spoilage so that you can enjoy your bell peppers at their best. Here are the obvious signs that it’s time to let a pepper go:
- Texture change. Check for a soft, wrinkled exterior or slimy surface. These are signs that the bell pepper has passed its prime.
- Odor change. Give the bell pepper a sniff. If it smells sour or "off", it’s likely spoiled.
- Mold. If the pepper has visible mold growing on it, discard it immediately.
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your bell peppers are fresh, flavourful and safe to eat.
Recipes with kale
Bell peppers are an incredibly versatile and flavorful vegetable to add to your meals. To make you the master of your own kitchen, I’ve shared some of my favorite ways to use them below.
- Add them in your favorite salads or bowls
- Dice them into strips for use in a stir fry or fajitas
- Stuff them with delicious fillings, like quinoa or ground meat
- Roast, grill or saute them to enjoy as a delicious side
- Dice them and use them to up the nutritional content of soups, stews or chillies
- Use them as crunchy, sweet topping in sandwiches, wraps or even pizzas
- Enjoy them raw with a delicious dip (like my vegan chipotle ranch)
Feel free to use or pair bell peppers with any of the recipes below:
Similar articles
Fast facts
Do bell peppers need to be refrigerated? Yes.
Ideally, red, orange, yellow and green bell peppers should stored in the fridge. However, without access to a fridge, they can be stored in a cool, dark place at room temperature. They can also be frozen if you won't be able to use them right away.
Below is how long they'll last in each of the scenarios:
| Counter | Fridge | Freezer | |
| Whole peppers | 3 days | 10 days | 8 months |
| Cut peppers | 2 hours | 7 days | 8 months |
| Cooked peppers | 2 hours | 4 days | 8 months |
Now that you know how to store bell peppers, what other foods do you want to learn about? Let me know in the comments below and I'll be sure to answer them as best I can.
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