How to store and freeze bell peppers, and when to toss them
Quick answer
-
Fridge
Keeps for 4-14 days
Keep bell peppers in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and refrigerate any you buy pre-cut or packaged.
Watch out If a small mold spot shows up, cut off at least 1 inch around and below it, and throw away any pepper that looks rotten.
-
Freezer
Keeps for 6-8 months
The USDA's general method for freezing vegetables is to blanch them, then chill them rapidly before freezing.
Bell peppers last 4 to 14 days in the refrigerator and 6 to 8 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase. FoodKeeper gives them no room-temperature time, so the fridge is the place for them. Wash them under plain running water without soap. Cut off at least 1 inch around and below a small mold spot, and throw away peppers that look rotten.
Buying bell peppers this week?
On a Listonic list, every item gets the amount you need and a note on when to use it by.
- Quantity and unit on every item
- A note like “fridge, use within a week”
- One list shared with everyone at home
Bell peppers last 4 to 14 days in the refrigerator and 6 to 8 months in the freezer, according to USDA FoodKeeper. Both times count from the date of purchase.
FoodKeeper lists these times under peppers and gives no time for keeping them at room temperature. This guide covers how to store and freeze bell peppers, how to wash them, and what to do about bruises and mold.
How to store bell peppers
Keep bell peppers in a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. That is the FDA’s advice for perishable fresh produce, and FoodKeeper lists peppers for the refrigerator and the freezer only.
Storage starts at the store. Choose peppers that are not bruised or damaged, as the FDA’s guide to selecting and serving produce safely advises. If you buy peppers pre-cut or packaged, choose only ones that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice, then refrigerate them at home.
Do bell peppers need to be refrigerated?
Yes, keep them in the refrigerator. FoodKeeper lists peppers for the fridge and the freezer and gives no time for room temperature.
How long do bell peppers last in the fridge?
Bell peppers last 4 to 14 days in the fridge, counted from the date of purchase. That is FoodKeeper’s range for peppers.
The range is wide, so check each pepper before you use it. Cut away damaged or bruised areas, and throw away peppers that look rotten.
How long do hot peppers and roasted red peppers last?
Hot peppers last 1 week in the fridge and 9 months in the freezer, and roasted red peppers from a jar last 4 to 6 months in the fridge.
FoodKeeper adds that fresh whole hot peppers last longer if kept dry, and that hot peppers lose their crispness when frozen and thawed.
| Type | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Bell peppers | 4 to 14 days | 6 to 8 months |
| Hot peppers | 1 week | 9 months |
| Roasted red peppers (jar) | 4 to 6 months | Not listed |
Can you freeze bell peppers?
Yes, you can freeze bell peppers, and FoodKeeper gives them 6 to 8 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase.
How to freeze bell peppers
The USDA’s general method for freezing vegetables is to blanch them first. Most vegetables that freeze well are low acid and need brief, partial cooking before freezing to prevent deterioration.
Blanch or partially cook them in boiling water or in a microwave oven, then chill them rapidly before freezing. The USDA explains the method in Freezing and Food Safety.
How to wash bell peppers
Wash bell peppers under plain running water before you prepare or eat them, and rub them gently as you rinse. The FDA says there’s no need for soap or a produce wash.
Soap, detergent, and commercial produce wash aren’t recommended, because produce is porous and can absorb them. Washing reduces bacteria but doesn’t eliminate them, so dry the peppers with a clean cloth or paper towel to reduce bacteria further.
Wash peppers before you cut them too, so dirt and bacteria aren’t carried from the surface when you cut. The FDA lists these steps in its tips for cleaning fruits and vegetables.
How to tell if bell peppers are bad
Throw away bell peppers that look rotten. If a pepper is bruised or damaged in one area, cut that area away before you prepare or eat it.
What if a bell pepper has a small mold spot?
Cut off at least 1 inch around and below the spot, and keep the knife out of the mold. The USDA names bell peppers among the firm fruits and vegetables with low moisture content that this rule covers.
It is difficult for mold to penetrate dense foods. The rule comes from the USDA’s page on molds on food.
Frequently asked questions
Can you freeze green peppers?
Yes, you can freeze green peppers. FoodKeeper gives peppers 6 to 8 months in the freezer, counted from the date of purchase.
Do you need soap or a produce wash for bell peppers?
No. Rub the peppers gently under plain running water instead, because soap, detergent, and commercial produce wash aren't recommended.
Can you use a bell pepper that has a bruise?
Yes, after you cut away the damaged or bruised area. Throw the pepper away if it looks rotten.
What temperature should the fridge be for bell peppers?
Keep a clean refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. That is the FDA's advice for perishable fresh produce.
