5 Easy Tricks That Keep Bell Peppers Fresh for Weeks
Reduce food waste–and save money—by learning how to properly store bell peppers. These simple tips will prevent the veggie from going bad, keeping it fresh for longer.
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Bell peppers, with their vibrant colors and nutritional punch, are a top-notch addition to any meal. But if yours tend to go bad quicker than you'd like, you're in luck: With the right tricks up your sleeve, bell peppers can last up to two weeks, allowing you to save money and avoid food waste.
Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cooking enthusiast, it's easy to stretch the life of your bell peppers. We'll guide you through the process of storing, preparing, and using the veggies to their full potential.
Ready to unlock the secrets of keeping your bell peppers fresh and flavorful? Let's dive in.
Decoding the Signs of a Spoiled Bell Pepper
The first step to avoiding food waste? Knowing how to tell if a bell pepper has passed its prime. An aged pepper may show signs like softening, wrinkling, or dark spots. If it's started to mold, it's a clear no-go and should be composted.
Don't just trust your eyes, though—your nose can be a great detective, too. A sour or off-putting smell is a tell-tale sign of a spoiled bell pepper.
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Finally, your taste buds can be the final judge. If the bell pepper looks fine but tastes bitter or off, it's time to say goodbye. When in doubt, toss it out. It's always better to play it safe and avoid getting sick from eating spoiled food.
5 Simple Tips That Keep Bell Peppers Fresh for Longer
1. Always Refrigerate Your Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are sensitive to temperature changes. The secret to preventing spoilage is your humble refrigerator. Thanks to the cool temperature, the ripening process is slowed, keeping your bell peppers fresh for longer.
2. Keep Your Bell Peppers Dry
Moisture is a bell pepper's worst enemy, leading to rot. To keep bell peppers spoilage-free, always pat them dry with a clean cloth before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. It's as easy as that.
3. Avoid Chopping Them Until You Need Them
Once you chop up a bell pepper, it starts to go bad in record time—sometimes in just days. If you're not using the whole thing right away, store the unused portion in an airtight container in the refrigerator to use later on.
4. Freeze Excess Bell Peppers
Got more bell peppers than you can use right now? Put them in the freezer! After washing and slicing, put them in a freezer-safe container (like a reusable silicone bag). They're perfect for soups, stews, and other delicious recipes.
5. Store Away From Ethylene Producers
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