How to Freeze Jalapenos Properly and How Long It Lasts

Jalapenos, much like other hot peppers are only available in the summer. So if you don’t want to use canned or bottled hot peppers from the store, you can freeze jalapeno peppers instead. Freezing jalapenos is one of the best ways to extend their shelf life. So you can have an abundance of it for your Mexican recipes even if it’s past the harvest time already.

How to freeze jalapenos? It’s quite easy. Whether you harvested a lot from your mini garden in your backyard or just bought loads of it, it will not go to waste. 

So shall we start freezing these hot babies? It’s nice to enjoy a warm bowl of chilies and enchiladas even if harvest season is over!

What Are Jalapeño Peppers

Jalapenos are medium-sized green peppers and are the most often used type of hot pepper. The hostess ranges from mild to moderate. That’s why it’s quite versatile and can be used in an array of dishes. From salsa, pizzas, and nachos to burgers; it can give an instant kick of flavor too.

These bad boys can be diced, sliced, or cut. And if you want to reduce heat levels, you can remove the seeds or the ribs. Moreover, the level of hotness will depend on how much sunlight these peppers had while they were growing. The pH level of the soil can also be a contributing factor. 

And because these can be mildly spicy peppers, they can be eaten whole as an appetizer. Stuffed peppers are a popular appetizer in most Mexican restaurants. 

How Does Jalapeño Peppers Taste Like

Jalapenos have a similar taste to green bell peppers, except that they can be spicier. They can turn red as they ripen. And ripe jalapenos will taste fruiter, but they don’t get any hotter. 

That’s why these peppers are mostly harvested when they are still unripe. 

How Long Will a Frozen Jalapeno Last

Whale or diced frozen jalapeno can keep in the freezer for three months. Though after that time, it’s still safe to eat, the quality and the taste will not be the same anymore. And there might be frost buildup by then. This will make the jalapeno limper.

Alternatingly, if you have jalapeno peppers that you plan to use later in the week, you can toss them in the chiller part of your ref instead. Get a cookie sheet or a paper towel and wrap the peppers inside. These will keep for a week. Compared to frozen hot chili peppers, these will be crisper.

Is It Okay to Freeze Jalapeño Peppers Whole

Yes, you can! And if you’re going to make stuffed peppers, you need to freeze the peppers whole.

1. Sort through the peppers and remove the blemished and moldy ones.
2. Clean the whole peppers with cold water.
3. Pat dry with kitchen towels or paper towels.
4. Remove the stems. However, if you need them for your recipe, keep them in.
5. There are two options to freeze jalapenos. The first option is flash freezing. Line them in a cookie tray or sheet and place them in the freezer. After they have frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer container.
6. The second option is to directly place them in airtight plastic containers or freezer bags. Then remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burns.

What Is the Best Way to Store Jalapeno Peppers

The best way to store jalapenos pepper for later use is by freezing them. And here’s how to easily freeze jalapenos you have harvested from your garden.

1. Scan through your harvested jalapenos. We need to separate the good peppers from the not-so-good ones. To remove any pepper that has signs of damage or has molds. These are not fit to be frozen. Separate them from the bunch. You may, however, use them later for your soups and stews, just slice out the damaged parts.
2. Prepare a concoction of 25 percent distilled white vinegar and 75 percent distilled water. Wash your jalapenos with this mixture. Then rinse them with pure water. The vinegar-water mixture will remove any bacteria that the peppers may harbor.
3. Get a clean dry kitchen towel and pat dry the peppers. Ensure that they are thoroughly dried before proceeding to the next step.
4. Get a clean and dry knife, and cut or slice the jalapenos according to how you may want to use them. You can dice or slice them up. 
5. If you are cutting up the jalapenos, remove the stalk, stems, and seeds.
6. Protip: if you are dicing up jalapenos, you can place them in an ice cube tray and then carefully pop them inside airtight freezer bags. This will make individual serving sizes. 
7. Get an airtight freezer bag or container and place the jalapenos inside. 
8. Tightly seal the freezer bags. Ensure to take out as much air as you can to prevent the peppers from getting the freezer burned.
9. Pro tip: if you’re going to cut jalapenos, don’t forget to wear kitchen gloves. And avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes when preparing jalapenos for freezing. 

Can I Freeze Jalapeno Peppers That Are Already Cooked

Yes, you can! If you enjoy roasted jalapeños, you can have them handy anytime. Roasted jalapenos give out great spicy charred flavors to enchiladas and nachos. 

1. Roast a bunch of jalapeño peppers. Then allow it to cool completely.

2. Wrap them in aluminum foil.

3. Get freezer bags, pop in the hot peppers, and seal them in. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burns. 

4. Pop in the freezer

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5. To warm up the frozen roasted jalapeños, transfer them to the ref.

6. Take note that thawed roasted jalapeños may become limp, but they will not lose their flavors

Does Freezing Jalapenos Make Them Milder

Freezing jalapenos will not change the heat level of the peppers. However, thawed frozen jalapeños may be somewhat limp compared to fresh ones. Still, you can use them raw. There will just be a reduced crispness but the level of heat will still be the same. 

The same goes for roasted or cooked frozen jalapenos.

What to Do if You Have Too Many Jalapeno Peppers

Had too much to harvest this summer? Don’t worry it would not go to waste. Freeze jalapeno peppers and you can use them in a variety of recipes and dishes. 

Jalapeno Poppers

These are perfect appetizers or snacks. When mixed with cheese, it can satisfy your cravings.

We need the following:

• Frozen jalapeno peppers, we need whole ones preferably with stems on
• 6 ounces cream cheese
• 4 ounces of cheddar cheese
• Bread crumbs
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 2 tbsp chives
• 1 tsp melted butter

Procedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Get the thawed whole jalapeno and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes with a spoon. And don’t forget to wear gloves while preparing them.
3. Get a bowl, and mix in the cheeses, garlic powder, and chives.
4. Fill the halved jalapeno with the cheese mixture. Then in a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and bread crumbs.
5. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the stuffed peppers.
6. Bake the jalapeno poppers for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. You may also use an air fryer. This will cook them quicker.

Tomato Salsa

This recipe is loaded with more and more tomatoes! You may also use thawed frozen roasted peppers for an added zing. 

We need the following:

• ½ cup thawed frozen diced jalapeno
• 5-10 pcs chopped tomatoes
• 2 large chopped onions
• 2 chopped green peppers
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• 3 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1.4 cup lime juice
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper

Procedure:

1. In a pot, mix all ingredients.
2. Bring the pot to a boil and stir occasionally. Then reduce to simmer and cook for 45 minutes.
3. You can add tomato paste if you want it thicker.

Final Say

It’s handy to be able to pull out jalapeno peppers whenever you need them. Freezing jalapenos is the best way to store them and extend their shelf life. It’s also the easiest to do. 

So you don’t have to wait for summer or harvest season to enjoy homemade salsa or jalapeno poppers. You can make them anytime.