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Do you have a lot of banana peppers but don’t know what to do with them? Is the clock ticking down, and you don’t want them to rot? Luckily, you have a few options. You can make some salsa, pickle them, or put them in the freezer to use later. This article will explain how to freeze banana peppers.
Banana peppers are extremely versatile. You can put them on tacos, sandwiches, salads, and they can be entrees themselves. You can slice them, stuff them, and use them in so many tasty recipes. Banana peppers, like most veggies, don’t have a long shelf life, but luckily, you can freeze them!
Learn how to freeze banana peppers below.
Can you freeze banana peppers?
Yes, you can freeze banana peppers.
Even though they come from South America, where it is warm all year long, banana peppers can withstand cold temperatures without losing their flavor.
But these peppers must be prepared and stored properly to ensure that the freezer doesn’t ruin them.
How to freeze whole banana peppers
The very first step to freezing your banana peppers is washing them. After the peppers have been properly cleaned, either allow them to air dry or pat them down with a towel.
Do not put wet peppers in the freezer as the excess water will freeze and make them too soggy.
When the peppers are dry, place them in a zip-up plastic bag, push all the air out of the bag, and seal it.
How to freeze sliced banana peppers
There is a slight difference between freezing whole banana peppers and sliced banana peppers. However, the first step is the same: wash your peppers thoroughly.
After your peppers have air-dried, slice them to your specifications, place them on a small flat pan, and put them in the freezer.
Check the peppers periodically until they are solid. Do not leave the peppers unattended for too long. Remove the peppers from the freezer and place them in a zip-up plastic bag. Push all of the air out of the bag, seal it, and place it in the freezer.
How to wash banana peppers
It’s very important to wash your banana peppers as there may be toxins and bacteria on the skin. Always wash in warm water and scrub off every bit of dirt.
I suggest you double rinse your veggies just to be sure that there is no debris leftover. When you know your peppers are clean, either set them out to air dry or pat them down with a towel.
The downside to freezing banana peppers
While peppers can withstand freezing temperatures, there is a downside to freezing banana peppers.
Frozen peppers tend to be limp and soggy when they thaw. These limp peppers are great for garnish, side dishes, and sauces but should not be used for frying or stuffing.
What happens to banana peppers when you freeze them?
When you freeze banana peppers, the water in the skin expands and hardens the pepper, so when it thaws, the walls weaken, and the pepper is soft and soggy.
Freezing temperatures also affect the pepper’s heat, causing it to become spicier.
How to thaw frozen peppers
When you’re ready to use the peppers, simply remove them and place them in the refrigerator to thaw.
If you need your peppers to thaw quickly, you can thaw your peppers outside the refrigerator. Make sure to place them on a plate or paper towel, which will catch any excess water as the banana peppers warm up.
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If you enjoyed learning how to freeze banana peppers, please drop a comment below! I’d LOVE to know what you think! Or take a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging @dwellbymichelle so I can repost it on my stories!
This is so helpful! Thank you!