The Best Way To Store Jalapeños, According To An Expert

There is nothing quite like bringing a bounty of fresh jalapeños into your kitchen. Whether you have grown them in your own garden or picked them up at a farmer’s market or grocery store, jalapeños add the ideal kick to so many different recipes from cocktails to main meals. But like all produce, storing jalapeños properly is essential to maintaining their freshness and flavor.

The Best Way To Store Jalapeños

To maximize shelf life, keep fresh jalapeños in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

“Pop those jalapeños into a plastic bag with a zip lock and keep it slightly vented,” South Carolina-based chef Sarah Cooper tells Southern Living. “Keeping them in the veggie drawer works great, too. Just remember to use them within about a week to enjoy them while they're still fresh.”

Cooper adds that if you don’t have a zip lock bag handy, wrap jalapeños loosely in a paper towel and tuck them into a reusable container or a vented produce bag.

“This keeps them from drying out and lets a bit of air circulate,” she says.

How To Keep Jalapeños Fresh

When it comes to keeping jalapeños fresh, it’s best to avoid washing them until you are ready to use them. 

“Moisture can make them spoil faster,” Cooper says. “Keep an eye on them for any soft spots or mold. If the skin starts looking wrinkled or feels soft, it’s time to toss them out.”

Can You Store Jalapeños On The Counter?

Yes, if you plan to use them right away. It’s tempting to throw fresh peppers into a large bowl on your counter. Aside from ease of access, the vibrant colors of hot peppers on display can be appealing, but Cooper advises avoiding that temptation unless you plan to use them ASAP.

“It’s better to keep jalapeños in the fridge rather than on the counter,” she says. “They will stay crisper and fresher longer that way, but if you know you’ll use them up in a day or two, keeping jalapeños handy on the counter is fine.”

Can You Freeze Jalapeños?

Yes, jalapeños can easily be frozen. 

If you have more jalapeños than you know what to do with and you’ve reached your max on Pineapple Ranch Water and Afterburners, it’s time to consider tossing your jalapeños in the freezer.

The Best Way To Freeze

Here are Cooper's best tips for freezing jalapeños:

1. Slice or dice them first. Cooper advises against freezing jalapeños whole.
2. Lay jalapeños on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. 

“This way, they won't clump together, and you can grab just what you need,” Cooper says.