Poblano peppers are not considered to be one of the more spicy peppers, and that is why I am a fan. So, when I’m at the store, I feel like I can comfortably buy them and add some flavor to a dish. However, since I am not a pepper person, I had to find out how to store poblano peppers.
It turns out that it isn’t that difficult, but it is important to know a few specific tips.
But it also all starts with picking out the best peppers.
Ever stood in the grocery store, staring at a pile of poblano peppers, unsure which ones to pick?
You’re not alone. Choosing the right poblano peppers is the first step to enjoying their rich, smoky flavor.
How To Pick Out Poblano Peppers
There are three important steps to picking out the best poblano peppers. First, look for peppers that have a vibrant green color. Next, look for poblanos that are free from blemishes or soft spots. Finally, pick up the peppers and make sure that they are firm and not soft and squishy.
Quick Checklist:
- Vibrant green color
- Free from blemishes or soft spots
- Firm to the touch
How To Tell If Fresh Poblano Peppers Have Gone Bad
Just like any fresh produce, poblano peppers can go bad. Signs of spoilage include wrinkled skin, a soft or mushy texture, or a strange odor. Bad poblanos also tend to have a slimy texture. If your pepper has any of these signs, it’s best to toss it out.
Quick Checklist:
- Wrinkled skin
- Soft or mushy texture
- Strange odor
- Slimy texture
How To Store Poblano Peppers At Room Temperature
Poblano Peppers will last 3-5 days at room temperature.
Poblano peppers can be stored at room temperature for a short period. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. However, they will start to lose their freshness after a few days.
Quick Checklist:
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Use within a few days
How To Store Poblano Peppers In the Refrigerator
Poblano Peppers will last up to 2 weeks stored in the refrigerator.
For a longer shelf life, store your poblano peppers in the refrigerator. The first thing that you must do is make sure that the peppers are dry and free of moisture. Place them in a plastic bag in the vegetable drawer and seal or tie off the bag.
Sealing the bag will create a humid environment for the peppers. This way, they can last for up to two weeks.
Quick Checklist:
- Thoroughly dry the peppers
- Store in a plastic bag
- Seal off the bag
- Place in the vegetable drawer
- Use within two weeks
Important Note: Don’t wash the poblano peppers until you are ready to use them.
How Long Do Fresh Poblano Peppers Last
Fresh poblano peppers can last for a few days at room temperature and up to two weeks in the refrigerator. However, their flavor is best when they’re fresh, so try to use them as soon as possible.
Freezing Poblano Peppers
Poblano Peppers will last up to 1 year stored in the freezer.
If you have more poblano peppers than you can use, consider freezing them. You can freeze the poblanos whole, or you can cut them up and freeze them that way. My recommendation is to cut them, flash freeze them, and then put them in freezer bags.
First, wash and dry the peppers. Next, remove the seeds from the pepper. Then, slice them and put them on a baking sheet. Next, flash-freeze them on the baking sheet. Finally, place the frozen pieces of pepper in a freezer bag. Seal the bag and return the poblano peppers to the freezer.
One of the reasons that you want to flash freeze the peppers is so that they don’t freeze all clumped together. They will be much easier to use if you flash-freeze them as individual pieces first.
Frozen poblano peppers can last for up to a year, but they might lose some of their texture and flavor over time.
Quick Checklist:
- Wash and dry the peppers
- Remove the seeds
- Slice the peppers
- Flash freeze on a baking sheet
- Store in a freezer-safe bag
- Use within a year
The bottom line
Properly storing your poblano peppers can help preserve their flavor and extend their shelf life.
Whether you choose to keep them at room temperature, refrigerate them, or freeze them, remember that fresh is best.
So, next time you find yourself with a surplus of poblano peppers, you’ll know exactly what to do!
