Jalapenos are a popular ingredient in many dishes because they can add a distinct flavor and heat to your favorite burger or pasta sauce. You can buy or grow jalapenos yourself in large quantities. Recently you’ve stumbled upon some from the last harvest a few weeks ago. How long do jalapenos last before they go bad?
We’ve all been there before, stocking up on too many jalapenos. What is the best way to store them and how can you see if they’ve already gone bad or still good for consumption?
In this article, we will share some knowledge about jalapenos, their shelf life, how you should store them, and learn about spoilage.
Enjoy your read!
What Are Jalapenos
Jalapenos are a very popular type of chili pepper that’s used in many dishes to add some heat and flavor. It’s used in a lot of hot sauces and can upgrade your dish. They belong to the Capsicum type. They belong to medium-sized peppers and have heat scores between 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
Do Jalapenos Go Bad
Yes, unfortunately. Just like all foods and drinks, jalapenos go bad and will decrease in quality and freshness over time. How long do they last exactly? They’re close in this regard to the bell peppers. We’ll start with a quick table:
Jalapenos | Pantry | Refrigerator |
---|---|---|
Fresh & Whole | Up to 3 days | Up to 2 weeks (14 days) |
Fresh & Cut | / | Up to 4 days |
Canned & Unopened | Up to 2 years | Up to 2 years |
Canned & Opened | / | Up to 2 weeks |
How Long Do Fresh Jalapenos Last
Fresh jalapenos are the most common type found for sale. When stored correctly, fresh ones can last for a few days to about 2 weeks. It depends on the way they’re stored and whether they’re whole or uncut:
Fresh & Whole Jalapenos
- In the pantry or at room temperature: Fresh whole jalapenos can last for up to 3 days when stored at room temperature.
- In the refrigerator: fresh whole jalapenos can last for up to 2 weeks when stored in the fridge.
Fresh & Cut Jalapenos
- In the pantry or at room temperature: it’s best to store them directly in an airtight container in the fridge and not outside the fridge!
- In the refrigerator: fresh cut jalapenos can last for up to 4 days when stored in the fridge.
From the moment you cut or slice the jalapenos, the fridge is the only right place (in an airtight container to shield from external threats).
Canned Jalapenos
Canned jalapenos are another popular form found in grocery stores. They are a convenient option for those who want to add these peppers to their dishes without worrying about their shelf life and their freshness. Here’s how long canned jalapenos can last:
- Unopened: they can last for up to 2 years when stored in a cool, dry place.
- Opened: Once the can is opened, it should be stored in the fridge and can last for up to 2 weeks.
It’s important to note that the shelf life of canned jalapenos can vary depending on the brand and the preservatives used. Always check the expiration date before using the canned ones. When they’re unopened, they’re shielded against external threats like heat, sunlight, air, moisture, bacteria transfer, and so on…
The shelf life varies depending on the form and how they are stored.
How To Store Jalapenos
Jalapenos are a tough and flavorful pepper that can add a spicy kick to your culinary journey. However, like most products, foods, and drinks, they have a limited shelf life. Proper storage is essential to keep them fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing them in the right way.
How To Store Jalapenos In The Fridge
Fresh jalapenos can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.
In order to keep them fresh, you can wrap them in a paper towel and place them in an airtight container or plastic bag. Another option is to store them in a paper bag in the veggie drawer of your fridge.
Please do not store them in the door of your fridge, because it is close to the “outside”.
How To Store Jalapenos In The Freezer
You can freeze jalapenos and store them there for about 6 months. If you want to freeze them, use the following steps:
- You should first wash and dry them thoroughly.
- Remove the stems and slice the peppers.
- Place the slices or parts in a freezer bag and label the bag with the date.
You can also freeze whole jalapenos by placing them in a resealable plastic bag or wrapping them in aluminum foil. - When you’re ready to use frozen jalapenos, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
A great tip is to divide them into small single-serve portions for quick use. Don’t refreeze thawed jalapenos. That’s a no-go!
How To Store Pickled Jalapenos
Store-bought pickled jalapenos can be kept in the pantry until opened. Once opened, they should be restored in the fridge and used within two weeks. Always place them into an airtight container.
If you want to make your own pickled jalapenos, you can “can” them or store them in the fridge. To can them, slice the peppers and pack them into sterilized jars. Cover the sliced peppers with pickling liquid and process according to canning instructions. Always store pickled ones in the fridge by placing them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
To conclude this paragraph: jalapenos can be stored in the fridge, freezer, or pantry depending on how you plan to use them. Storing them in the right way can help extend their shelf life. Whether you’re pickling, canning, or freezing your hot peppers, be sure to label them and store them in an airtight container or bag to prevent freezer burn or spoilage.
A good administration is half of the work! Especially if you’re deciding if it’s still good or already gone bad!
How To Tell If Your Jalapenos Already Have Gone Bad
Just to remember, the dates and periods we’re using in this article are general advice. Products like food and drinks don’t get bad in 1 night but slowly decrease in quality and freshness over time. With peppers like jalapenos and bell peppers, they’ll crinkle or wrinkle a bit but it doesn’t mean it’s not safe to eat.
We always like to give you the following advice: if you’re in doubt, just discard it. Jalapenos can be grown for a low price in your garden or bought at the store. It’s no use to risk your health and well-being for such a low cost.
Appearance
Jalapenos that are starting to spoil may have other colored spots (browner) or be wrinkled and shriveled. If you notice any mold on the surface, it’s time to get rid of them. Mold is always bad news.
Texture
If the jalapenos are soft or mushy to the touch, they have likely gone bad. Wrinkly or slimy ones are also a sign that they are past their prime, but they can still be good to eat. Trust in your senses.
Smell
Jalapenos that have an off smell should always be discarded. A strong, unpleasant odor is a sure sign that they are no longer good to eat.
Taste
If you’re brave enough to taste one that you suspect may be spoiled, you’ll know right away if it’s gone bad. Spoiled ones will have a weird taste that is very different from their usual spicy flavor.
Overall, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you notice any of the above signs of spoilage, it’s time to throw them out. On average, jalapenos will last about two weeks in the fridge, but this can vary depending on how fresh they were when you’ve bought them.
Enjoy your jalapenos!