How to Store Fresh Banana Peppers
Banana peppers add spice and flavor to many dishes. When you grow your own or bring home fresh banana peppers, you need to store them properly to keep them fresh. If you plan to use the banana peppers within one week, you can store them in the refrigerator. Banana peppers that you do not plan to use immediately can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Paper towels
- Brown paper bag
- Colander
- Knife
- Large pot
- Large bowl
- Ice water
- Slotted spoon
- Plastic sealable bags
- Permanent marker
Instructions
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Freezer
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1
Select fresh banana peppers that are crisp. Avoid peppers that are limp, discolored or overripe.
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2
Rinse the banana peppers under cool water in a colander. This will remove any dirt and debris from the peppers.
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3
Cut the stems off the banana peppers. Slice the banana peppers into rings no larger than 1/2 inch wide if you want to keep the seeds. Slice the banana peppers in half and remove the seeds if you desire. Cut the banana pepper into 1/2-inch strips.
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4
Fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove top over high heat. Place a large bowl on the countertop and fill it with ice water.
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5
Place the banana pepper strips in the boiling water for two minutes. Remove the peppers immediately with a slotted spoon, and place them in the ice water for three to four minutes.
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6
Drain the peppers in a colander. Pack them into plastic bags and seal, leaving 1/2 inch of head-space. Remove as much of the air as possible in the bags. Write the date on the plastic bags with a permanent marker and stick them in the freezer.
Refrigerator
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7
Rinse the banana peppers under cool water.
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8
Dry the peppers off with paper towels.
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9
Place the peppers into a brown paper bag.
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10
Roll the paper bag closed and place into the vegetable drawer in your refrigerator. The peppers will last for one week.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you want the banana peppers to retain their crisp texture, then avoid blanching them in the water and freeze them immediately.
Wear gloves when handling the banana peppers to protect your skin from possible irritation.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
