How long do bell peppers last
There are many ways to store bell peppers that can help keep them fresh for longer. Depending on the storage method, bell peppers can last anywhere from a day or two, to weeks or months.
| Storage Method | Bell Pepper Type | Lifespan |
| Refrigerator | Green Bell Pepper | 2 – 3 Weeks |
| Refrigerator | Red Bell Pepper | 1 – 2 Weeks |
| Refrigerator | Yellow Bell Pepper | 1 – 2 Weeks |
| Refrigerator | Orange Bell Pepper | 1 – 2 Weeks |
| Refrigerator | Cut Bell Pepper – All Colors | 3 – 4 Days |
| Freezer | Sliced or Chopped Bell Pepper All Colors | 4 – 6 Months |
| Counter Top / Room Temperature | All Colors of Bell Peppers | 1 – 2 Days |
What is the best way to store bell peppers for increased freshness and flavor?
To maximize the lifespan of a bell pepper and keep its freshness and flavor intact, we recommend the following:
- Make sure the bell peppers are dry before you store them. Peppers are sometimes wet from grocery store water sprayers, so you might need to dry them with a paper towel.
- After drying the bell pepper, place it into a plastic bag, which will create a humid environment that the pepper will thrive in
- Put the bell peppers in a crisper towards the front, which is slightly less cool than the middle or back part of the drawer
How do you know when a bell pepper is going bad?
There are several signs to look for to determine if a bell pepper has gone bad or is in the process of going bad. The following are key characteristics indicating if a bell pepper is starting to go bad:
- Wrinkled or shriveled skin – This is a sign that the bell pepper is losing its moisture and drying out. The bell pepper will have a soft, spongy texture instead of a hard, crisp feel.
- Soft spots – The areas of the pepper that feel soft to the touch and give even under the slightest pressure is an early sign of rot
- Fuzzy mold – If you spot any fuzz attached to the bell pepper, it is likely mold. Mold generally starts to develop around the stem or bottom of the pepper.
- Cracking – If you see any cracks around the pepper it could be a sign that it has been dropped by others. These spots are entry points for mold and bacteria, which can accelerate the decaying process.
- Spots – Dark speckled spots on the pepper can indicate disease
What causes wrinkling in bell peppers and are peppers with wrinkles okay to eat?
As bell peppers age, their skin begins softening and developing a wrinkled texture. The wrinkled appearance is caused by the bell pepper losing its moisture content. The process of moisture loss and subsequent wrinkling can start as early as three days after picking, if not stored under ideal conditions.
The best way to keep your bell peppers from winkling is to keep them in your fridge’s crisper drawer. The crisper drawer is designed to maintain ideal levels of airflow and humidity to extend the freshness and crispness of fruits and vegetables.
The shriveled appearance, although unappetizing, does not mean the pepper is inedible and spoiled. I would not recommend eating a soft bell pepper raw as it will not be very appetizing. However, a wrinkled bell pepper is perfectly good to use in cooked food. The cooking process will soften the pepper anyways, so it will not be as noticeable.
What happens if you accidentally eat a bell pepper that has gone bad?
If you accidentally eat a spoiled bell pepper it will not necessarily make you sick, but it will taste bad. The typical mold that grows on spoiling produce it is not usually dangerous but if you see it on your food, be safe, and throw it out. Although, most molds are not dangerous, some individuals could experience adverse allergic reactions, so it is best to be safe and toss out moldy bell peppers instead of trying to salvage them.
