Fresh peppers can disappointingly soften if stored improperly, but with the right storage method, they can be kept crisp for more than a fortnight. Most people store peppers loose in a fridge or within their original packaging until usage, when they usually stay good for up to a week, albeit with a few blemishes. But even minor skin marks can accelerate spoiling and leave peppers unusable.
However, a storage expert says there’s an "amazingly simple" trick to vastly extend their shelf life. All you need is a ziplock bag and some paper towels for lining. The storage maestro at How Fab touts this technique as the secret to keeping bell peppers "stay fresh and unspoiled for weeks".
A crucial step before sealing peppers away is washing them and thoroughly drying them. Once snug in the crisper section of your refrigerator, they retain their sought-after crunchiness. The storage whiz added: "When stored this way, bell peppers will last one to two weeks.
Note that green bell peppers will last longer than the red or yellow ones." It’s worth considering that intact peppers stay fresher longer than their sliced counterparts, which wilt rapidly due to cellular damage and water loss. While it may seem daunting, slowing down the deterioration of unused pepper slices can be as simple as leaving the stems and seeds attached.
This method works because these parts are rich in essential nutrients that help maintain the freshness and quality of the leftover peppers. Moisture is another culpr.