How to Freeze Fresh Peppers for Later Use

Peppers are vegetables in the genus Capsicum. The spice of peppers can range from mild (sweet peppers) to extremely spicy (hot chile peppers). The spiciness of peppers is measured in Scoville heat units (SHU), which range from the mild poblano pepper (1,500 SHU) to the extremely hot Carolina Reaper (2,200,000 SHU).

Freezing peppers can be an easy way to meal prep and preserve peppers for later use. You can use this method for any type of pepper, such as fresh bell peppers or jalapeños:

1. 1. Inspect your pepper for bruises. Choose peppers that have no bruises or soft spots.
2. 2. Wash the peppers. Wash the peppers and dry them using paper towels.
   
3. 3. Remove the tops and stems of the peppers. Using a sharp knife, remove the top and stem of the peppers, plus the inner membrane and seeds. You should wear gloves when dicing hot peppers, because the oil from the peppers can irritate your skin. Make sure you do not touch your eyes when handling peppers.
4. 4. Cut the peppers. Slice or dice the peppers on a cutting board according to your personal preference.
5. 5. Prepare peppers for the freezer. Arrange the peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet or cookie sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the peppers are frozen solid, about one to two hours. The flash freeze will ensure the pepper pieces don’t stick together.
6. 6. Store the peppers. Place the pepper pieces in a heavy-duty freezer bag and press out the excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Frozen peppers will last for eight to ten months in the freezer. Eat them as soon as you can for the best quality, especially because hot peppers will lose their heat the longer they are in the freezer.

Freezing whole bell peppers is a simple process that does not require blanching or simmering in boiling water. Follow these steps to freeze whole peppers:

1. 1. Slice the tops of the peppers. Using a sharp knife, slice off the tops of the peppers. Scoop out the inner membranes and seeds.
2. 2. Place the top back on each pepper. Place the top back onto the pepper, and wrap each bell pepper individually in plastic wrap.
3. 3. Store in a freezer bag. Place the bell peppers in a freezer bag.

For small chili peppers, you can freeze them whole in an airtight container.

You can freeze fresh peppers for later use in cooked dishes, such as stews, stir frys, and fajitas.You can also use frozen whole peppers to make stuffed peppers. Frozen peppers retain some crispness, so you can use them for recipes that call for raw peppers, such as salsa. Dip semi-frozen pieces of bell pepper in ranch or hummus for a veggie snack.

Become a better chef with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Gordon Ramsay, Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Dominique Ansel, Yotam Ottolenghi, Alice Waters, and more.