Freezing Peppers

It’s National Pepper Month! In honor of this special month, we’d like to discuss how easy it is to freeze peppers. Peppers do not require blanching, which makes this a great vegetable for kids to help in the preserving process.

Now is the time (when peppers are in season) to take advantage of the lower prices and purchase peppers at your local farmers market to freeze. Select shiny, bright colored peppers with firm skin and no wrinkles.

Even the youngest member of your family can participate by washing the produce before freezing.

After washing, cut out any imperfections.

Remove the core, seeds and membranes.

Slice into thin strips or dice.

Pack into freezer bags. Seal, label and freeze. Peppers become soft when frozen and thawed. Use them in cooked dishes where texture is not important.

Peppers are definitely a power food you’ll want to include in your diet.  (See the pepper’s nutritional values here) Use frozen peppers in recipes like our Black Bean Stuffed Quinoa Peppers, Fajita Soup or our Chicken Quesadillas (pg 263 in our book).