Do Jalapeno Peppers Go Bad?

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Jalapeno peppers are bright green color vegetable similar to serrano pepper in appearance. Originated from Mexico, these Chili peppers are by far everyone’s most favorite jalapenos. It has a hot and spicy taste, so if you want to give your dish a spicy kick, the jalapeno pepper is the best option. This bright green little guy is used to add heat and enhance the flavors of many cuisines.

Eating jalapeno pepper provides you many health benefits. Jalapeno peppers are ground with many essential vitamins and minerals protecting your body from an entire ray of diseases. Like any other green vegetable, jalapeño pepper does go bad. Mold growth leads to spoilage of jalapeno pepper, making it unfit to eat. So, you need to store them well to prevent going bad.

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How to store jalapeno pepper?

If you have stocked jalapeno peppers, you must be thinking of the way how to store them. Well, you are at the best place as this article will blow away all your queries regarding storing, shelf life, and freezing of jalapeno pepper. Let first discuss the storing methods as applying the correct storing procedure is the key to extend any food shelf life.

Storing jalapeno pepper in the pantry

If you have brought fresh jalapenos from the store, you can place them in the pantry for two to three days. Keep jalapenos in a place free of moisture. Moisture is the biggest enemy. It contributes most to making food go bad. Spores and microorganisms thrive in a humid environment.

So, make sure you store them in a cool well dry cabinet. There is one important thing you need to keep in mind. If you have no plan to utilize them in two or three days, don’t put whole fresh jalapeno pepper in the pantry or kitchen.

Refrigerating jalapeno pepper

If you want to store jalapenos for a month, go for refrigerating option. The proper way to refrigerate jalapenos is to place them in an airtight plastic bag or take an airtight container.

Line the container with a paper towel that will absorb excess moisture and then place the container in the refrigerator. Don’t cut jalapenos in slices and avoid washing them before refrigerating.

Pickling jalapeno pepper

If you want to store jalapeno for several months, pickling is another good option. We are going to tell you a quick pickle method. Cut them into slices rinse them under cold water.

Let them drain. Add salt vinegar in a saucepan, bring it to boil, add jalapeno rings and turn off the heat. Once they are cool, jar them. Seal the jar and place it in the refrigerator for long-term use.

Can you freeze jalapeno pepper?

Jalapenos can incorporate easily into every dish. So, in case, you have stocked them and now confused about whether to freeze them or not. No worries, this article will provide you information about freezing jalapenos. Yes, you can freeze them. Keep in mind the fact that jalapenos will lose their crispiness when frozen.

Wash jalapenos, remove stem, and slice them. Put sliced jalapenos in a freezer tray, or you can put them in a freezer friendly zip lock bag. Another way to freeze them is in the form of jalapeno paste. Grind jalapenos to a paste-like consistency. Put the paste in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, take out the cubes and put them in a freezer bag. In this way, you can easily defrost jalapeno paste cubes according to your need.

How long does jalapeno pepper last?

The shelf life of jalapenos greatly depends on how you store them. Fresh jalapenos can stay good in the pantry for three to four days. You can keep them in the pantry only when you plan to use them within few days. Place them at room temperature away from heat sources and moisture. If you have chopped the jalapenos, you cannot keep them in the pantry.

Place jalapeno pepper in the refrigerator, where they remain good for two to three days. Whole fresh jalapenos can stay good in the refrigerator for a month. Sliced or cut vegetables go bad earlier compared to whole vegetables.

Pickled jalapenos last for six to eight months if kept properly. Canned jalapenos are also available; they generally have a way longer shelf life the fresh jalapenos. Unopened canned jalapenos can easily last for six months. Once you have opened the can, keep opened can in the fridge. Opened can last for one month in the refrigerator.

How to tell if jalapeno pepper is bad?

Just like any other vegetable, jalapeno pepper also goes bad and loses its quality over time. Try your best to use fresh jalapenos in your dishes. Spoiled ones not only ruin your dishes but also harmful to health. So always select fresh, vibrant green color jalapenos when buying from the store. So can easily figure out bad jalapeno pepper by following ways.

Jalapeno peppers have a crisp texture; if you notice that they have gone soft or slimy, that’s a sign that they are about to go bad.
Look at the color fresh ones with bright green color if the color gets pale and toss them in the garbage.
Smell them. If they start smelling bad, don’t use such jalapeno peppers.
If you see any mold or brown spots on them, immediately throw them out.