Question Re: Freezing Red Peppers

[Grace]

Hi everyone -

In the past there were a few threads regarding freezing roasted red peppers, but I was wondering about freezing regular red peppers (not roasted). I also noticed that Lorilei, you freeze your jalapenos fresh/raw (what's the correct term here??!!), and since peppers are pretty much peppers in their texture, I was wondering if any of you freeze plain regular peppers for when you need to chop them up in a recipe or say, green peppers whole for stuffed green peppers, etc. Anyone know? I have about 8 big beautiful red peppers that I don't want to go to waste, and tons of freezer space, but if they're going to turn mushy or something, I'd rather not freeze them. Help!! TIA.

Grace

[Vanessa]

Hi Grace. Since we grow peppers in a garden I chop them up and put them in freezer bags so I can use them when I need yellow, red or green peppers in rices, stews etc.They freeze very well.

[laden]

As long as the peppers used in a cooked dish, I think it's fine to freeze them. You wouldn't want to use thawed frozen peppers on a tossed salad though.

[Angela]

I've frozen all colors of peppers with great success. When they are on special at the grocery store I buy them up and start chopping, julienning, dicing, etc. I cut them in the different ways I just mentioned and then measure out 1/4, 1/2 cups, etc. I wrap them in plastic wrap and then in foil and of course lable with the cut style and amount. So when I'm ready to use them they are ready to go! Good luck.

[This message has been edited by Angela (edited 10-17-2000).]

[lorilei]

I do freeze my jalapenos whole and occasionally will freeze chopped peppers, but have never tried freezing whole sweet peppers. I'm not sure I'd want to.

You always lose texture when you freeze anything (IMO) and there is some "mushiness" that I've noticed when freezing chopped peppers. Nothing major, but noticeable.

Why not try one or two and let us know if it works? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[valeriek]

This thread has been so helpful. Red peppers are on sale right now so last night I bought a couple, chopped them, and threw them in the freezer to see what happens. I never would have thought of it otherwise! Thanks!

[Grace]

Yes, this thread has been helpful! Thanks everyone for your encouragement and tips. I will indeed chop them up and put them in the freezer. If nothing else, I'll use them in the goulasch that becomes a staple around here once the cold weather really kicks in. That gets cooked in the pressure cooker, and cooks the heck out of the peppers anyway, so I imagine one would never know the difference in that recipe! Thanks again for all your help!!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif