How to Store Bell Peppers the Right Way

Bell peppers at the grocery store are often stored at room temperature, so you may have wondered whether they need to be refrigerated. Turns out that bell peppers should be refrigerated for optimal freshness and can last up to two weeks when stored this way. Ahead, a produce expert shares how to store bell peppers so they stay fresher for longer, including cut bell peppers and how to freeze them for longer storage.

The Best Way to Store Bell Peppers

Bell peppers "love to be stored in the cold," says Maddy Rotman, head of sustainability at Imperfect Foods. For that reason, she says that the vegetables should always be stored in the refrigerator. "Bell peppers stored on the counter last about five days, but in the fridge, they can stay fresh for up to two weeks," she says. It's not that they will rot or molder if left out of the refrigerator overnight,

Fridge Location Matters

Remember, though, that not all refrigerator storage is the same. It makes a difference where and how bell peppers are stored in the refrigerator. If not stored properly, the vegetable can easily lose its crunchy texture.

"Humidity is the key here, as too much moisture can cause bell peppers to lose their crunch," Rotman says. She recommends you place bell peppers in a resealable bag and keep them in the front of the crisper drawer. That might seem very specific but we suggest you make room for bell peppers there. When stored this way, bell peppers will retain their glossy, smooth skin, sweet flavor, and crisp texture.

A Less Optimal Alternative

If, for some reason, you can't keep bell peppers in the fridge, the best alternative is a dry, cool place that stays at room temperature. "Try a pantry or a cabinet shelf," says Rotman. And never keep them on the countertop near the stove.

Freezing Bell Peppers

If you have a bumper crop from your garden or bought more than you can use, bell peppers can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze bell peppers:

1. Wash and dry the bell peppers.
2. Remove their stem, seeds, and membranes and slice them. (This saves space in the freezer and means the bell peppers are ready to use.)
3. Spread peppers on a rimmed baking sheet and freeze until firm.
4. Transfer to a freezer bag, remove all the air from the bag before sealing.
   

Storing Leftover Bell Peppers

Cut bell peppers do not last as long as a whole pepper. If you only plan on using half a bell pepper, Rotman recommends keeping the other half in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. The best way to preserve the half is to "keep the stem and seeds attached if you can and store it in the fridge like you would a whole pepper," she says. "If stored in the crisper and kept dry, cut peppers stay fresh, crunchy, and ready for dips and stews for two to three days."

Softened bell peppers, whether whole or half, that are more squishy than crunchy don't need to be thrown away, though. "Softened bell peppers are great for roasting and for blending into soups and sauces. You can pickle them, sauté them for fajitas, or even use them to add some extra veggie goodness in baked goods," Rotman says.