Chilies are a popular ingredient in many cuisines. They are used in cooking to add spice and flavor, but they can also be eaten raw. The type of chili you use will depend on how hot it is, and there are wide varieties to choose from. Green chilies are milder than red ones and are often used in Mexican dishes.
If you have a lot of green chilies leftover from making your meal, you may wonder if you can freeze them.
Yes, you can freeze green chilies. You can either freeze them as a whole, slice, or paste. For whole or sliced chilies, it’s best to blanch them first as it will help retain their quality during freezing. Properly stored, green chilies will last for up to 6 months in the freezer.
Does Green Chilies Freeze Well?
You may wonder if green chilies freeze well, or if it’s better to use fresh ones all the time. The answer depends on what you’re using them for, but generally yes, you can freeze green chilies.
Freezing green chilies is an easy process that won’t affect their taste or texture significantly. You’ll probably find that they’re easier to chop up after they’ve been frozen, as they’ll have softened slightly during this time.
However, if you want to keep your chilies raw and fresh tasting then don’t freeze them at all – simply store them in the fridge instead until you need them.
How to Prepare Green Chiles for Freezing
Before you can freeze green chilies, you’ll need to blanch them first. This will help preserve their taste and texture while it’s frozen.
To blanch peppers, place them in a pot of boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then remove them from the water and place them in ice water. This will set their color and flavor while also making them easier to peel.
Once they are cooled, you’re ready to freeze them.
How To Freeze Green Chilies
Free Green Chilies In Bags
When you freeze green chilies, they lose their bright green color. To preserve the color and flavor, slice the chilies into thin pieces and freeze them in airtight bags. This way, you can use only what you need at a time.
Step 1: Slice off the stem end of the chili pepper. This will allow for better penetration by whatever you are marinating it in or cooking it with.
Step 2: Slice off both ends of the pepper to create flat surfaces so they will lay evenly on a plate when frozen. A sharp knife makes this process easy.
Step 3: Cut your peppers into thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick. Don’t worry if they don’t look pretty at this point — they will look great once frozen!
Step 4: Put your sliced green chilies into a freezer bag or container and store them for up to one year in your freezer!
Freezing Green Chilies In Cubes
Freezing green chilies in cubes is a great way to preserve them for later.
You can freeze chilies whole, but they are a bit messier to use. The best way to freeze chilies is to chop them up into small pieces and then freeze them in ice cube trays. The cubes can be transferred into plastic bags or containers when they are solid.
Freezing green chilies extends their shelf life by about six months. The flavor of frozen chilies will be slightly less intense than fresh ones, but this is still a great way to keep them on hand when you need them.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the peppers, as capsaicin oil can be irritating if it gets onto your skin or eyes.
2. Slice off the tops of each pepper and remove the seeds and ribs with a paring knife or spoon (the seeds are where most of the heat comes from).
3. Chop up into small pieces and put them into an ice cube tray (you’ll want to make sure that you don’t cut yourself on any sharp edges).
4. Put in the freezer until solid (about 4 hours).
5. Remove the frozen chili from the freezer and immediately transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Press on the bag to remove any excess air and seal it tight.
6. Label the freezer bag with the date of freezing and place it into the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Green Chilies?
You can freeze green chilies for about six months at their peak quality. The length of time that frozen green chilies will stay good depends on how long they have been stored before freezing, as well as how cold the freezer is kept.
It’s best to freeze green chilies as soon after buying them as possible for the longest shelf life.
How Do You Defrost Green Chilies?
Fresh green chilies are a must-have in many Mexican dishes. Chilies are fruit and can be frozen, but they need to be defrosted before use. Frozen chilies will keep their bright color and flavor, so they’re still good to use in your favorite recipes.
Here are several ways you can defrost green chilies:
1. Place the chilies on a plate and microwave them for 30 seconds at a time until thawed.
2. Place the chilies in a bowl of hot water and allow them to sit for 10 minutes or until they’ve thawed completely.
3. Place the chilies in the refrigerator overnight or until completely thawed.
4. If you don’t have any other options, submerge each chili in hot water for about 10 minutes or until it’s soft enough for you to cut it open easily with a knife or pair of kitchen shears.
Can You Refreeze Green Chilies?
You can freeze green chilies again once they are thawed, but they will lose some of their flavor and texture. The best way to freeze green chilies is to use them as soon as possible after thawing. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator and use them within a month to maintain freshness.
Other Questions about Green Chilies
Can you freeze green chili paste?
You can freeze green chilies paste, but you’ll need to do it in small portions. If you have a lot of leftover paste from making a recipe, work with about 1/4 cup at a time and freeze it for up to three months.
To freeze, first, place the paste on a baking sheet in the freezer to harden. Once hard, transfer to an airtight container or plastic bag. Repeat until all of your paste is frozen.
You can also store your green chili paste in the refrigerator for up to two weeks without freezing it first.
Can you freeze green chili stew?
Yes, you can freeze green chili stew. When making the recipe, make sure to use freezer-safe containers and place them in the freezer immediately after they’ve cooled. You’ll want to make sure that your frozen stew doesn’t get refrozen more than once, so don’t let it sit in your freezer for too long before you eat it.
To reheat frozen chili stew, place the frozen container in a microwave and heat it on high for about five minutes or until it’s thawed. Then, stir well before serving.