Remember all those peppers I posted about the other day - header shot– well, we did eat some for pepper sandwiches, we did pickle the pepperoncini’s, we gave away a few and put some in the fridge to use, and we froze the remainder.
To freeze the sweet peppers, I first cored them and removed the ribs and seeds then removed any bad spots. Next I julienned them, 1/2' - 3/4" wide and cut some in half, depending upon their length. I used to chop some but realized it took hours and it could be done at the time of need just as easily. Using the various types of sweet peppers and trying to get a mixture of colors, I had this 11"x17" pan filled to this level four times.
After freezing, they lose their crispness and don’t work well in salads, but they work great in the many dishes in which we use cooked peppers – chili, meatloaf, meatballs, soups, stews, marinara, pizza, eggs, casseroles, Mexican, stir fry, etc. Most of the things we cook start with peppers, onion, and garlic (the Almost Heaven South trinity) and now we have plenty of all three with the poblano and Anaheim chile peppers yet to come. We’ll freeze a few more of these and make some roasted red peppers, but many will be offered to our friends.
This winter when you’re paying $3 for a ripe sweet pepper, remember these two photos and the one below and consider that peppers are easy to grow, they have few pests and disease problems, and they are as pretty a plant as many you’re now growing in your flower garden - they look like a nice shrub in my garden - give one a try next year.
To freeze the sweet peppers, I first cored them and removed the ribs and seeds then removed any bad spots. Next I julienned them, 1/2' - 3/4" wide and cut some in half, depending upon their length. I used to chop some but realized it took hours and it could be done at the time of need just as easily. Using the various types of sweet peppers and trying to get a mixture of colors, I had this 11"x17" pan filled to this level four times.
The Jalapenos and Santa Fe’s went into separate bags whole and a few of the Santa Fe’s were chunked for kebabs.
I ended up with 11 bags of sweet peppers, about two quart size, weighing about 1 1/2 lbs each.
I ended up with 11 bags of sweet peppers, about two quart size, weighing about 1 1/2 lbs each.
This winter when you’re paying $3 for a ripe sweet pepper, remember these two photos and the one below and consider that peppers are easy to grow, they have few pests and disease problems, and they are as pretty a plant as many you’re now growing in your flower garden - they look like a nice shrub in my garden - give one a try next year.
All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by Almost Heaven South.
One year ago: Basic Steak And Taters
Larry
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by Almost Heaven South.
One year ago: Basic Steak And Taters
Larry
Love your Almost Heaven South trinity Larry. And yes, I'll remember all of your gorgeous peppers when I pay an outrageous price for them in the supermarket this winter. (smile)
ReplyDeleteSam
Beautiful photos, Larry. I always moan and groan in the middle of winter when I have to pay an arm and a leg for peppers. Freezing a variety is a great idea. Soon a vendor with a pepper roasting contraption will show up at the farmers' market and I always freeze a few bags for the winter. Most of my hearty winter recipes start with your trio too.
ReplyDeleteHow do they hold their spice... like the jalapenos? I know you take the ribs out so it cuts on that anyway, but do they loose any of their spiciness when frozen?
ReplyDeleteHi there, I knew that green peppers don't freeze well--other than to cook with .. So--I wondered how you would keep all of those peppers... We usually keep chopped peppers and onions in the freezer to cook with...
ReplyDeleteBetsy
Peppers are very pretty. Sadly, they can't even come into my house, because I'm allergic to them.
ReplyDeleteYou must have a very large garden! Freezing them is an excellent idea. I have a few ready to pick....it won't take me as long to freeze mine as it did you!
ReplyDeleteThose are some huge peppers, Larry! Again, I envy your sunny garden space. We have an acre and a quarter but live among too many trees for a garden like yours - sigh.
ReplyDeleteGood tips, Larry. A coworker brought in a bounty of peppers so now I have more than just our few plants.
ReplyDeleteMy Anaheims and poblanos are coming in strong - and I plan to freeze some roasted peppers after we glut ourselves on rellanos. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI just found your post on freezing peppers.....going to do that immediately this afternoon! Thanks for the tip! I hate the price being demanded for peppers today!
ReplyDelete