By Ujjainee Roy
April 26, 2024
Bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C and also help with keeping your energy levels up. But keeping them fresh for more than a couple of days is a chore which can also lead to wastage. Let's look at some ways to keep bell pepper fresh for longer.
Store unwashed bell peppers in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where the temperature is cooler and more stable. Place them in a perforated plastic bag or airtight container to maintain optimal humidity levels while allowing for airflow.
Before storing bell peppers in the refrigerator, rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt, debris, or pesticide residues. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture, as moisture can promote mold and spoilage.
For maximum freshness, store bell peppers whole and uncut until you're ready to use them. Once bell peppers are cut, their shelf life decreases significantly, as exposure to air and moisture can accelerate spoilage.
To further extend the shelf life of bell peppers, consider wrapping them individually in paper towels before storing them in the refrigerator. The paper towels help absorb excess moisture and prevent condensation, which can cause the peppers to become soggy and moldy.
For longer storage, wash, seed, and slice the bell peppers into strips or cubes before blanching them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Transfer the blanched bell peppers to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process, then drain and pat them dry.
If you notice that your bell peppers are starting to wilt or lose their crispness, you can revive them by soaking them in a cold water bath. Fill a large bowl or sink with cold water and submerge the bell peppers for 15-30 minutes.
To ensure that your bell peppers stay fresh for as long as possible, make it a habit to check them regularly for signs of spoilage. Remove any bell peppers that show signs of mold, soft spots, or wrinkling.