3 Ways To Store Bell Peppers - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Store Bell Peppers in the Fridge, Freezer, and More PDF download Download Article Keep your bell peppers fresh and crisp with these easy tips Co-authored by Jennifer Levasseur and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: May 29, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • In the Fridge
    • |
  • In the Freezer
    • |
  • On the Counter
    • |
  • Preserving Bell Peppers
    • |
  • How to Tell if They're Bad
    • |
  • Choosing Bell Peppers
    • |
  • Recipes & Uses for Bell Peppers
    • |
  • Video
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  • Expert Interview
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  • Expert Q&A
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  • Tips
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This article was co-authored by Jennifer Levasseur and by wikiHow staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. Chef Jennifer Levasseur is a Personal Chef and the Owner of The Happy Cuisiniere based in Breckenridge, Colorado. She has over 12 years of culinary experience and specializes in Mountain and Contemporary Rustic cuisine. Moreover, she can craft dishes and modify menus to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and dairy-free diets. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Houston, Chef Jennifer holds Associate’s degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts from Houston Community College. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 217,590 times.

Bell peppers are a colorful and tasty addition to any meal, but if they aren’t stored properly, they may go bad before you can use them. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to make sure your bell peppers stay crisp and fresh. We’ll go over everything you need to know about how to store bell peppers in the fridge, in the freezer, and on the counter. We’ll also cover how to check your peppers for spoilage, and how to pick the freshest peppers at the grocery store, so keep reading!

What's the Best Way to Store Bell Peppers?

Put whole, unwashed bell peppers in a mesh produce bag, or any bag made out of a breathable material. Don’t use airtight bags, which can trap moisture inside and cause your peppers to go bad faster. Place your bag of bell peppers in the crisper drawer in your fridge. They should stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks.

Steps

Section 1 of 7:

How to Store Bell Peppers in the Fridge

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  1. Step 1 Whole bell peppers 1 Whole bell peppers First, put whole bell peppers into a mesh produce bag, or any bag made out of a breathable material like cotton or muslin. Next, place the bag in the “crisper drawer” in your fridge.[1] This helps control the humidity levels of the peppers, which prolongs their shelf life.[2] Your refrigerated peppers should stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks.
    • If you're leaving your bell peppers whole, you don’t need to wash them before putting them in the fridge.[3]
    • Washing may leave excess moisture on the peppers, which causes them to go bad faster. Wait until you're ready to eat or cook your peppers to wash them.
    • Avoid storing bell peppers in the same drawer as fruits. Fruits release a gas called ethylene, which is a ripening agent that can cause vegetables to rot faster.[4]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Store Bell Peppers 2 Cut bell peppers Wash your bell peppers thoroughly before cutting them. This prevents germs on the pepper’s skin from transferring to the inside. Dry the peppers thoroughly, then chop, dice, or slice them as desired. Place them in an airtight container or sealable bag on top of a paper towel and put them in the fridge. Your cut bell peppers should stay fresh in the fridge for 3-7 days.[5]
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Section 2 of 7:

How to Store Bell Peppers in the Freezer

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Store Bell Peppers 1 Slice or chop your bell peppers before freezing them. Whole bell peppers don’t freeze well, so it’s important to cut them first.[6] First, thoroughly wash and dry your peppers. Next, cut off the stem, slice the pepper in half, and remove the seeds with a spoon. Finally, cut or slice the pepper according to your preference.[7]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Store Bell Peppers 2 Spread the bell peppers on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Arrange the chopped bell pepper pieces in a single layer, and avoid stacking them on top of each other, as this will cause them to freeze together in clumps.[8]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Store Bell Peppers 3 Place the frozen peppers in a freezer bag or airtight container. Carefully remove the peppers from the baking sheet and transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. If you’re using a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it. Your peppers should stay good in the freezer for 6-8 months.[9]
    • Write the date on the plastic bag or container using a marker to help you keep track of how long they’ll be fresh.
    • If you want to eat the peppers raw, move them to the fridge to defrost for about 24 hours.
    • If you want to cook with the peppers, there’s no need to defrost them first. Simply toss them into your recipe and cook as normal.[10]
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Section 3 of 7:

How to Store Bell Peppers on the Counter

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  1. Store bell peppers on the counter for just a day or two. Store bell peppers on the counter for just a day or two. Left out at room temperature, whole bell peppers should stay good for about 1-2 days.[11] If you need your peppers to stay fresh for longer than this, it's best to toss them in the fridge instead.
    • Note: Chopped or sliced bell peppers should always be stored in the fridge or freezer, not on the kitchen counter.
Section 4 of 7:

How to Preserve Bell Peppers

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Store Bell Peppers 1 Pickling Pickled peppers are delicious, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Pickling is also a great way to preserve bell peppers and extend their shelf life. Here’s how do it:
    • Wash your bell peppers thoroughly, then cut into quarters and remove cores and seeds. Next, slice the peppers into strips.
    • Add 1 cup (240 mL) water, 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) distilled white vinegar, and ⅓ cup (67 g) of sugar to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add kosher salt to taste.
    • Place your bell peppers in the liquid mixture and bring to a boil again. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for about 8-10 minutes.
    • Transfer the peppers and liquid mixture to a sterilized glass jar, and store in the fridge.[12]
  2. Step 2 Dehydrating 2 Dehydrating If you have a vegetable dehydrator, this is also a great option for storing bell peppers. Dehydrated bell peppers are easy to use in recipes, and they have a much longer shelf life. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
    • Thoroughly wash your bell peppers, then core them and remove the seeds.
    • Chop the bell peppers into small pieces.
    • Place your chopped bell peppers onto the mesh trays that came with your dehydrator machine.
    • Dry at 125°F for 6-10 hours. Your bell peppers are done when they are no longer bendy or pliable. If they snap easily when you try to bend them, you’re all good.
    • Place your dehydrated bell peppers in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place (like your pantry).
    • When you’re ready to eat your peppers, soak them in a bowl of hot water for up to 30 minutes to rehydrate them.[13]
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Section 5 of 7:

How to Tell if Bell Peppers Have Gone Bad

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Store Bell Peppers 1 Pick up your bell peppers and feel for softness. Fresh bell peppers should be firm and crisp. If a pepper feels soft to the touch, it's likely on its way to spoiling.[14]
    • To check cut or sliced bell peppers, pick up a piece and try to bend it. If it snaps easily, it’s likely still fresh. If it’s super soft, pliable, or bendy, this indicates spoilage.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Store Bell Peppers 2 Check your peppers for moisture and sliminess. If your whole or cut bell peppers feel moist or slimy to the touch, this is a major sign that they’ve gone bad. Mold grows very easily in these conditions, so it's safest to throw these peppers out.[15]
  3. Step 3 Look for shriveling or mod. 3 Look for shriveling or mod. If the skin on your bell peppers looks wrinkly or shriveled, they’ve likely gone bad. Visible mold is also a surefire sign of spoilage. If you see either of these things on your peppers, toss them out.[16]
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Section 6 of 7:

What to Look for When Buying Bell Peppers at the Store

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Store Bell Peppers Select bell peppers that are firm to the touch. They should have very tight skin, and there should be no signs of wrinkling or shriveling. Their colors should be very bright and vibrant as well.[17] All of these signs indicate that your peppers are at their peak freshness, which means they’ll last longer!
Section 7 of 7:

Recipe Ideas and Uses for Bell Peppers

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  1. Step 1 There are tons of yummy ways to incorporate bell peppers into your diet. 1 There are tons of yummy ways to incorporate bell peppers into your diet. Whether you’re eating them raw with some dip, or tossing them into a stir fry with other veggies, bell peppers make a flavorful and colorful addition to any meal. Here are some ideas for how to use them:
    • Roast, sautee, or grill bell peppers for a delicious side dish
    • Toss chopped raw bell peppers into a salad
    • Make a bell pepper, onion, and cheddar cheese omelet
    • Slice raw bell peppers and dip them in hummus or ranch for a snack
  2. Step 2 Bell peppers also play a key role in tons of delicious recipes. 2 Bell peppers also play a key role in tons of delicious recipes. From pizza to fajitas, the options are endless! Here are some yummy recipes featuring bell peppers if you’re looking for inspiration:
    • Chicken stir fry
    • Pepperoni, sausage, & bell pepper pizza
    • Chicken fajitas
    • Pepper steak
    • Pasta salad
    • Chicken kabobs
    • Crockpot chili
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question What should I do if bell peppers are starting to go soft or bad? Jennifer Levasseur Jennifer Levasseur Personal Chef Chef Jennifer Levasseur is a Personal Chef and the Owner of The Happy Cuisiniere based in Breckenridge, Colorado. She has over 12 years of culinary experience and specializes in Mountain and Contemporary Rustic cuisine. Moreover, she can craft dishes and modify menus to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and dairy-free diets. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Houston, Chef Jennifer holds Associate’s degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts from Houston Community College. Jennifer Levasseur Jennifer Levasseur Personal Chef Expert Answer You can slice and sauté the bell peppers and then store them in a container in the fridge. Cooking them will extend their life for an additional 3-4 days. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question Do I wash the bell peppers before freezing them or after I take them out? Community Answer Community Answer I wash before freezing, sometimes I even cut them, because then I can use them straight out of the freezer after they've defrosted. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 17
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Tips

  • Unlike other vegetables, bell peppers do not need to be blanched before they are frozen. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
  • You can freeze roasted or raw bell peppers. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2
  • Peppers can be canned or dried to preserve them. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cooking, check out our in-depth interview with Jennifer Levasseur.

References

  1. ↑ https://ucsdcommunityhealth.org/work/eat-ca/peppers/
  2. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-long-do-bell-peppers-last-in-fridge-7571394
  3. ↑ https://ucsdcommunityhealth.org/work/eat-ca/peppers/
  4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/the-kitchns-guide-to-storing-fruits-and-vegetables-tip-roundup-176308
  5. ↑ https://livesimply.me/how-to-store-bell-peppers/
  6. ↑ Jennifer Levasseur. Personal Chef. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://food.unl.edu/freezing-sweet-bell-and-hot-peppers
  8. ↑ https://food.unl.edu/freezing-sweet-bell-and-hot-peppers
  9. ↑ https://ucsdcommunityhealth.org/work/eat-ca/peppers/
More References (8)
  1. ↑ https://spoonuniversity.com/how-to/defrosting-frozen-vegetables-like-a-pro-tips-and-tricks-for
  2. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/how-long-do-bell-peppers-last-in-fridge-7571394#toc-the-best-storage-tips-for-bell-peppers
  3. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/238547/pickled-peppers/
  4. ↑ https://www.thepurposefulpantry.com/dehydrate-bell-peppers-diy-paprika/
  5. ↑ https://eatbydate.com/vegetables/fresh-vegetables/bell-peppers/
  6. ↑ https://eatbydate.com/vegetables/fresh-vegetables/bell-peppers/
  7. ↑ https://eatbydate.com/vegetables/fresh-vegetables/bell-peppers/
  8. ↑ https://food.unl.edu/article/bell-peppers

About This Article

Jennifer Levasseur Co-authored by: Jennifer Levasseur Personal Chef This article was co-authored by Jennifer Levasseur and by wikiHow staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. Chef Jennifer Levasseur is a Personal Chef and the Owner of The Happy Cuisiniere based in Breckenridge, Colorado. She has over 12 years of culinary experience and specializes in Mountain and Contemporary Rustic cuisine. Moreover, she can craft dishes and modify menus to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and dairy-free diets. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Houston, Chef Jennifer holds Associate’s degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts from Houston Community College. This article has been viewed 217,590 times. 1 votes - 100% Co-authors: 9 Updated: May 29, 2025 Views: 217,590 Categories: Featured Articles | Food Selection and Storage Article SummaryX

To store whole bell peppers, avoid washing them until you’re ready to use them. Moisture will make them go bad faster. Put the peppers in a mesh produce bag and store them in the vegetable drawer in your fridge for up to 2 weeks. To store chopped-up bell peppers, wrap the pieces in a paper towel and place them in an airtight container. Keep the container on the top shelf or in the vegetable drawer of your fridge for no more than 3 days. For longer storage, spread out the pepper pieces on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Store the frozen peppers in the freezer for up to 1 year. To learn how to best thaw your frozen peppers, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Don Waterbury

    Don Waterbury

    Jun 12, 2021

    "I had read other ways to store bell peppers. The ways shown here are much easier. Thank you."
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jennifer Levasseur Co-authored by: Jennifer Levasseur Personal Chef Co-authors: 9 Updated: May 29, 2025 Views: 217,590 100% of readers found this article helpful. 1 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Don Waterbury

Don Waterbury

Jun 12, 2021

"I had read other ways to store bell peppers. The ways shown here are much easier. Thank you." Jon S

Jon S

Mar 11, 2018

"This tip really works believe it. I was hesitant to try it!" Pauline Apena

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Aug 22, 2018

"Helped in finding ways of freezing bell peppers." Rated this article: Anonymous

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