Spicy, tasty, and versatile, Jalapeno peppers are one of the most delicious spices to have.
Originated mainly from Mexico, with Scoville units measuring at 2500-8000 SHU (Scoville heat units), these spices have a bright, grassy, or slightly bitter flavor.
These peppers also have their shelf-life. And so, the question arises- How long do Jalapenos last?
As much as we love them, even our tasty little spices have a limit to their shelf-life. So how will you know if your small greens are nearing their unusable stage?
How Long Do Jalapenos Last? Do Jalapenos Go Bad?
If you are judging on fresh or new jalapenos, you can expect it to last roughly four to five days. If it is in the fridge, it can last up to one week or slightly longer than that.
Sliced or whole jalapenos can last up to one year when kept in a freezer.
A good rule of thumb is to remember that jalapenos go bad faster in warm temperatures. As such, whole jalapenos that are freshly plucked will last for some days at room temperature.
And so, it is essential to store these peppers in a cool place.
If you are storing it in a fridge, a freshly plucked jalapeno can easily stay good for one to two weeks.
But if you have added it to the fridge after a few days, the jalapenos may last only one week at most.
So, we advise that you store them in a fridge as soon as possible.
Sliced or diced jalapenos last for a day when kept at room temperature. It may last slightly longer if kept in a sealed bag or container.
As for canned jalapenos, it will work just like other canned products. The “Best By’ date printed on the can will determine their shelf life.
But it does not mean that it will expire at that exact date itself. It may last a little longer if the can is still unopened.
An opened can of jalapenos has a much shorter shelf-life, but you can extend it by storing it in a fridge.
It’s also essential to know that store-bought jalapenos will have a different shelf-life than the ones you pluck straight from your garden. This is because you may never know when and how the jalapenos were plucked and stored in the grocery.
In simple words, fresh jalapenos last longer than the ones bought from grocery stores.
How to Tell if Jalapenos Are bad?
Do you plan to store jalapenos for some time or wish to know if the greens in your pantry have gone bad?
Here, we will tell you what you can look for to find out whether the peppers are bad or still usable.
First, you must remember that jalapenos do not get spoiled most of the time within the periods mentioned previously.
Thus, based on it, we can say that freshly plucked jalapenos may get moldy or waste away within two weeks.
At one stage, the jalapenos will have more wrinkly skin and may shrink in size.
Although it is not advisable to consume such a jalapeno, it will still be eatable at the wrinkly stage.
Also, note that the older a pepper gets, the less spicy it becomes.
If you want more spice in your dishes, it is crucial to use fresher jalapenos.
Even if wrinkled jalapenos may be eatable, if its color changes or becomes moldy or tinted in grey, it’s high time to throw it away.
If you have chopped or sliced the peppers, it will waste away sooner. Thus, it would be best if you stored it in airtight containers or bags. Even Aluminum foils can do.
Jalapenos can also be canned, pickled, or bottled, and often, these are the longer-lasting methods. Leaving the item near warmer areas will cause it to become spoiled quickly.
This you’ll often notice as molds, foul smells and puffed packages which is an indicator of spoiled contents. Thus, we advise that you keep it in cool places like the fridge.
Conclusion
Jalapenos are tasty, spicy, and a great addition to have in many dishes.
Like all peppers, it is generally an excellent spice to heat delicacies with flavor.
Despite its usefulness, jalapenos also have a shelf-life, and it depends on various conditions.
Freezing jalapenos can make it last quite long; storing in a fridge is also optimal. Avoiding heat and warmth is the best option to keep the peppers staying for more than three or four days.
Even if slightly wrinkled, you can still use most of these jalapenos in your dishes.
But it is essential to know that any moldy or grey signs seen on the peppers are a call for concern.
All in all, jalapenos are a versatile addition for daily cooking, and all it takes is a little effort to keep them for long.
How Long Do Jalapenos Last? Do Jalapenos Go Bad?
Ingredients
- Jalapenos
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
- If frozen, thaw in the fridge before use. Always check for signs of spoilage before using.
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