All About Peppers

So often we get questions about how to properly store produce; does it belong in the fridge? Is it better left on the counter? How do I keep it fresh for as long as possible?

Most commonly asked is, how to store our Sweet Rainbow Peppers and Sweetreats. With their vibrant colors and crisp texture, they are a staple in many kitchens around the world. These versatile vegetables can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and stir-fries to stuffed peppers and salsas. However, like all fresh produce, bell peppers have a limited shelf life and require proper storage to maintain their quality and freshness.

We’ve put together the best ways to store your peppers to help keep their freshness and ultimately help eliminate food waste.  By following these tips and techniques, you can ensure that your peppers remain delicious and ready to enhance your culinary creations.

Let’s dive into the world of pepper storage and discover how to make the most of this nutritious and flavourful vegetable!

1. Temperature:

Temperature plays a big part in storing any kind of fresh produce. There are certain types of produce that should never be store in the fridge, some that should be stored at room temperature, and others that should be stored in a cool, dark place. For peppers, they should be stored in a cool place, ideally between 45°F to 55°F (7°C to 13°C). Storing peppers below these temperatures can cause chilling injury resulting in flavour and texture deterioration.

2. Isolation:

We’ve all heard of keeping certain fruits and vegetables away from each other when storing them. Interestingly with peppers, not only should they be kept away from ethylene-producing fruits likes apples, bananas, and tomatoes, but if you are storing different coloured peppers, they are best separated as well. Different colour peppers means that they are in different states of ripeness and if stored together, it can cause the others to ripen faster.

3. Washing:

We often think it’s best practice to wash our produce before storing it, or at least it’s more convenient so that when we want to eat it, it’s ready to go. Here’s why you should never pre-wash your bell peppers – excess moisture within the peppers can cause premature spoilage, mold growth, and black spots. Only wash your peppers when you are ready to eat them. You want to ensure that they are nice and dry before storing them, which brings me to my next point; air circulation.

4. Air Circulation:

There is a fine line between not enough air circulation and too much exposure to air. With peppers, you want to ensure that there is enough air circulation around the peppers to prevent moisture buildup, which we know can cause mold growth etc. However, you don’t want to leave your peppers completely exposed to circulating air as it can cause them to dry out faster. The best way to ensure the proper amount of air circulation is to wrap them loosely in a paper towel and store them in a perforated plastic bag.

By implementing these methods, you can enjoy the taste and health benefits of peppers year-round. Whether you’re cooking a quick stir-fry, adding crunch to a salad, or whipping up a quick dip, properly stored peppers will always be a valuable addition to your kitchen.