How do you store fresh peppers for the longest time?

Fresh peppers are a great way to give your dishes an extra kick, but how do you ensure they stay fresh? Whether you have mild bell peppers or fiery Carolina Reapers, it's important to store them properly to preserve their flavor and texture for as long as possible.

Fresh peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for about one to two weeks, depending on the variety and how fresh they were when purchased. Want to get the most out of your peppers? Here are some tips for keeping them in top condition, and what to do if you can't use them up quickly enough.

Tips for storing fresh peppers in the refrigerator

1. Use the vegetable drawer

The best place to store fresh peppers is in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. This drawer is specially designed to maintain the right humidity for vegetables, meaning your peppers will stay fresh longer. Be careful not to let the drawer get too damp, as this can promote rot.

2. Use a paper bag or airtight container

It's best to store peppers in a paper bag, as this helps absorb excess moisture and prevents them from getting soggy and rotting. If you prefer an airtight container, line it with a paper towel to absorb the moisture.

3. Check regularly for signs of spoilage

Peppers begin to spoil when they become soft, wrinkled, or moldy. Therefore, check your inventory regularly and use any that start to soften as soon as possible. These peppers can still be perfect for cooked dishes like soups or sauces.

When should you freeze peppers?

If you find you won't be using the peppers within a week or two, freezing them is an excellent way to extend their shelf life. Frozen peppers will keep for up to six months or even longer, retaining their flavor and heat.

Freezing peppers

Follow these simple steps to properly freeze your peppers and easily use them later:

1. Wash and dry the peppers well.
2. Remove the stems and, if desired, the seeds and the inside (placenta).
3. Cut the peppers into pieces, or freeze them whole, depending on how you want to use them later.
4. Place the pieces on a baking sheet and freeze them separately, so they don't stick together. Once frozen, you can transfer them to airtight bags or containers for easy storage and portioning.

How do you use frozen peppers?

After thawing, peppers may lose some of their texture, but their flavor and heat remain intact. Frozen peppers are ideal for cooked dishes such as:

• sauces
• stews
• stir-fries

These dishes usually don't require a firm texture, so thawed peppers work perfectly. Add them directly to your dish while cooking, without having to thaw them first.

Or just enjoy it on a freshly made pizza, yummy ;-) Extra tip: cut the frozen peppers directly from the freezer, that makes cutting easier

Prevent waste and preserve the taste

By storing fresh peppers properly in the refrigerator and freezing them early, you can preserve their delicious flavor and heat for longer. This prevents waste and ensures you always have some heat on hand for your favorite dishes!

If you also want to grow fresh peppers, take a look at our range of seeds!