How To Freeze Bell Peppers

It’s a safe bet that we’ve all been in a situation where we

buy more bell peppers

than we need for a recipe. While

bell peppers

last three to five days in the refrigerator, after that, you need to use them or you will lose them.

If you aren’t in the mood for any more bell pepper recipes but don’t want to waste your produce, you can freeze your bell peppers. Unlike

lettuce leaves

, cabbage, or

celery stalks

, bell peppers freeze well and maintain their flavor. Freezing bell peppers, or any kind of hot or sweet peppers, is a great way to eliminate food waste or to meal prep for a future dinner. Here is a comprehensive guide for how to freeze bell peppers.

Step-By-Step Guide To Freezing Bell Peppers

Before freezing, vegetables like asparagus and broccoli need to be blanched, a process that involves briefly boiling or steaming vegetables to partially cook them. Bell peppers can be frozen raw and do not

require blanching

prior to freezing. Here’s how to prep and freeze them.

1. To prep bell peppers for the freezer, the first (and most important) step is to make sure they are thoroughly washed.
2. After washing, dry the bell peppers and
   
   remove the stem and seeds
   
   .
3. Depending on how you plan to use your bell peppers in the future, they can be
   
   sliced into strips or chopped
   
   into smaller pieces.
4. After peppers are cut, put them on a flat cookie sheet and spread them out evenly.
5. Freeze for about an hour. This prep method is known as tray freezing, which makes food easier to remove from containers or bags when it comes time to thaw.
6. When peppers are frozen, transfer them to freezer-safe storage bags and remove as much air as possible before putting them in the freezer.
7. If you store different types of peppers in your freezer, consider labeling your peppers for future ease as well as the date of freezing.

How Long Do Bell Peppers Last In The Freezer?

According to FoodSafety.gov’s FoodKeeper app, developed by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, bell peppers can safely last six to eight months in the freezer if frozen from the date of purchase.

1

This time frame ensures the freshness and quality of your frozen bell peppers.

Recipes For Frozen Bell Peppers

Because bell peppers lose their signature crispy crunch after being frozen, it’s smart to have ways to use this flavorful produce after freezing. Frozen bell peppers can be used as an exact substitute for bell peppers in recipes, but they work best in cooked recipes.

Favorite Recipes

Farmers’ Market Frittata

50 mins

Maque Choux

45 mins

Sausage-And-Pepper Mini Subs

45 mins