Red peppers are a popular spice in many cuisines around the world. There are wide different varieties of red peppers, with some being sweeter than others. They are usually used as your typical hot sauce and chillies.
In British cooking, the red bell pepper is often used to make a classic British dish called shepherd’s pie, which is mainly made with minced beef. It is also popular in Indian cuisine, Moroccan dishes, and some American cuisine. They are also used to make sauces and toppings like red pepper flakes or red pepper paste.
These hot peppers are used in many dishes to add colour and flavour to food. They can also be blended with other ingredients, such as garlic or onions, to make any dish more flavorful. It is one of those spices that can be cooked in a variety of dishes, but they usually require a long cooking time. The recommended cooking period for red peppers is around 15 minutes. However, the time it takes to cook them depends on their size and how you want to prepare them.
How Long do Red Peppers Last?
The shelf life of red peppers will depend on whether it is refrigerated, their type and how much sunlight it is exposed to. For example, frozen bell peppers will last about four weeks, while green peppers will last about two weeks. On the other hand, red pepper shelf life can be extended by up to a month when stored in a cool and dry place.
However, not storing peppers in the fridge will result in a short shelf life. On average, these peppers will only last for about four days when stored at room temperature.
How to Store Red Peppers?
To keep red peppers fresh, it is best to store them in a cool place away from sunlight.
Here are two common ways to store peppers:
Refrigerated: If you plan to use red peppers later, storing them in the fridge might be the best option.
Simple steps to store your red peppers in the refrigerator.
- Wash your red peppers and dry them thoroughly. If moisture is left, your red peppers might get spoiled more than what is expected.
- Use plastic with small holes for storing the red peppers.
- Put the red peppers in the crisper in your fridge with other vegetables.
Freezer: Frozen pepper has more flavour and nutritional value. When you freeze peppers, the water in the vegetable evaporates, leaving behind a more concentrated flavour. Frozen peppers also tend to have a firmer texture than fresh produce and last longer than those stored in the crisper.
Here are some basic steps to freeze red peppers:
- Rinse your red peppers and dry them with a paper towel.
- Cut these spicy peppers into strips at a size based on your preference.
- Put the diced red peppers in an air-tight bag, freezer bag, or container with plastic wrap or a baking sheet.
- You can now store the red peppers in the freezer.
What are the Common Causes of Spice Spoilage?
Here are the two most common culprits and their effects on food:
- Oxygen. Exposure to air – exceptionally high levels of oxygen cause many foods to spoil quickly. This includes fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products. Spoiled foods will smell sour and contain green or black mould.
- Heat. Exposure to high temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit can also accelerate the spoilage process in many foods. This includes milk, cheese, soy sauce and other ingredients that contain proteins or milk derivatives. Foods that spoil quickly at room temperature will also rot after a few days in the fridge.
Conclusion
Proper storage of red peppers will help ensure they last longer and are as tasty as possible.
- If you are going to use your red peppers after a week, refrigerating them is an option. If you are storing it for more than weeks, freezing is the right option.
- Avoid sunlight and too much air when preparing to store your red peppers. They are the common cause of spoilage.
FAQs
Is there a way to keep peppers fresh longer?
A mesh bag with holes for air circulation is ideal for storing peppers. Crisper drawers allow air to circulate, so they should be stored with other vegetables. A paper towel must also be placed over the cut bell peppers to absorb moisture in an airtight container.
Is it a good idea to store peppers in water?
Peppers rot when they are wet, so keep them dry and unwashed. If you want the crunchiest pepper possible, store it whole in a plastic bag in your crisper at a high humidity level, covered with plastic (the plastic will protect it from moisture).
How to know if your red pepper is spoiled?
There are several ways to tell if a red pepper is spoiled. The most common sign that red pepper is spoiled is when the skin turns black or brown. The overall flavour of the red pepper may also change, and it may become slimy or have an unpleasant odour. If you notice any of these signs, do not eat the red pepper and discard it. Remember that when preserving peppers, store them right after you get home after getting groceries.
