What should I do with all the hot peppers from my garden? No one likes to see food go to waste. If you don’t properly store your peppers, they will eventually rot and you’ll then have to throw them away. So unfortunate. Properly storing them will extend their life by many days, so let’s discuss the best way to store them. You do not need to wash the peppers before storing. It is best for them to be dry, as water can speed up the rotting process. This works for both hot peppers and sweet peppers. If you notice any signs of rotting, including soft or dark spots, you should throw them out. It is always best to cook with fresher peppers. Fresh peppers should be shiny and firm to the touch. There should be no wrinkles or discolorations before storing. Add enough water to cover, after measuring the number of cups used. Add 1 tablespoon of salt per cup of water. Give it a stir. Seal, then refrigerate. When ready to use, remove a pepper and rinse off the salt. Use as you would fresh peppers. Peppers should last about a month this way. However, keeping peppers at room temperature isn’t the best way to go. The peppers start to rot more quickly, so refrigeration is best. They will stay fresh longer this way. If you must store your peppers at room temperature, place them into paper bags and keep them in a cool dark place, such as your pantry. When they are firm, transfer to them bags, seal them, and return to the freezer. A vacuum sealer will ensure better storage. Frozen peppers will last many months. See more about how to freeze chili peppers here. A sealable container works just as well for storing fresh chopped peppers. They will last a few days this way and you can use them as you would use any chopped pepper. Again, if you see any signs of rot, such as black spots or mold, throw them away. This will help to maintain some of the original crispness. Next, spread them out onto a baking sheet and freeze them about 1 hour, until they are nice and firm. Seal them up in a freezer bag or with a vacuum sealer and store in the freezer. They will easily last 6 months this way. When you are ready to use them, simply thaw and use them per your recipe.
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