You’ve got a whole bag of bell peppers, and now you wonder how long do bell peppers last. Or maybe the bell pepper you bought a few days back is still in your fridge. In either case, you would want to know how much time you have until the bell peppers go all mushy.
So if you would like to benefit from learning a thing or two about storage, shelf life, and bell peppers’ spoilage, then this article is for you.
- What is Bell Pepper?
- How Long Do Bell Peppers Last?
- How to Tell if a Bell Pepper is Bad?
- How to Store Bell Peppers?
- Can You Freeze Bell Peppers?
- How to Select the Best Bell Pepper?
- Risks of Consuming Bad Bell Peppers
- What is the shelf life of green bell pepper?
- What are some of the signs to know if bell pepper has gone bad?
- How to store leftover cut bell peppers?
What is Bell Pepper?
Bell peppers are one of the common vegetables seen in any household. It’s a vegetable used to make sauces like aioli or chimichurri sauce. Bell peppers can be consumed as it is, but they are usually cooked as it becomes much softer and tender. The vegetable gets its name from its shape with an elongated form and “lobes” on either side.
How Long Do Bell Peppers Last?
Bell peppers are of various types: Red, yellow, orange, and green. Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers have a shelf life of up to two weeks if stored in the fridge, while green ones can stay for a few days longer. On the other hand, cut bell peppers stay fine for about 4 to 5 days. The general shelf life of bell peppers is between a week to two weeks.
| State | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Bell peppers (red, yellow, orange) | 7 – 14 days |
| Green bell peppers | 10 – 20 days |
| Cut bell peppers | 4 – 5 days |
How to Tell if a Bell Pepper is Bad?
The following signs will help you identify if Ball Pepper has gone bad:
Sunken Spots: if the ball peppers are soft to the touch or have large sunken spots you should throw them out.
Mold Growth: if there exists rot or mold then the ball peppers have gone bad. You can cut out the specific spoiled or damaged parts. However, if the whole vegetable is covered in the mold then it’s time to discard the veggie.
Sour Smell: If the bell pepper has an odd smell, it’s a sure sign it’s time to let it go.
However, if a pepper consists of a darkened patch or is half green and half yellow there is nothing to worry about, it’s completely normal.
How to Store Bell Peppers?
The ideal ways in which you can store bell peppers are listed below. To know the process of how to store bell peppers go through our articles to learn about in detail.
- Ideally, bell peppers can be stored in the crisper drawer in the fridge.
- It should be kept in a plastic bag or a container. This will help extend their storage time.
- The ideal temperature for bell peppers is 45°F (7.5°C), which is above the normal fridge’s temperature.
- Never wash bell peppers before placing them in storage.
- Cut bell peppers if kept in the fridge in an airtight container will last for about two days.
- Similarly, leftover bell peppers, if stored in the fridge will last for three to four days.
Can You Freeze Bell Peppers?
Yes, it is possible to freeze bell peppers. Different varieties of bell peppers freeze at different rates. If you plan to freeze bell peppers, make sure to cut off the tops, wash them thoroughly, dry them and pack them neatly in freezer bags. Bell peppers typically last for up to a year in the freezer.
To know more about whether or not you can freeze bell peppers check out our article and clarify your doubts in a matter of seconds.
How to Select the Best Bell Pepper?
Follow the given steps to make sure that you select the best bell pepper:
- The freshest bell peppers will not only taste but also stay for a longer time at home.
- The best bell pepper is firm and feels heavy for its size.
- Will be smooth and shiny with a rich and vivid color.
- An old bell pepper will have dark spots, holes, and/or wrinkled skin.
Risks of Consuming Bad Bell Peppers
The presence of molds in bell peppers is harmful to health. Molds can cause respiratory issues or allergic reactions. Consuming such bell peppers will result in food poisoning, followed by stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some molds may even have mycotoxins, which are extremely harmful to human health.
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FAQs on How Long Do Bell Peppers Last
1. What is the shelf life of green bell pepper?
Green bell peppers have a longer shelf life. It can be stored in the fridge for about 10-20 days.
2. What are some of the signs to know if bell pepper has gone bad?
The presence of mold, sour smell, sunken spots, etc are signs indicating that bell peppers have gone wrong.
3. How to store leftover cut bell peppers?
Leftover bell peppers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container and they will last for three to four days.
Conclusion
Bell peppers are one of the most popular vegetables for a variety of dishes. They can be stored in a different manner depending on what you do with them. However, if you intend to keep the bell peppers crisp and fresh, always store them in airtight containers. Keep the various tips regarding storing bell peppers so that you can buy the best bell peppers in the market. Bookmark our site to get the latest updates on the storage procedures of various vegetables all in one place.