Can You Freeze Jalapenos?

Quick Answer : Can You Freeze Jalapenos?

You can freeze jalapenos and preserve them for later consumption. While you can freeze jalapenos in different ways, it is essential to freeze them properly to ensure they last long. Jalapeno peppers are usually green and mildly hot. However, you are spicier than bell peppers but not as much as serranos. So, if you have a large stock of jalapenos in your fridge, you can consider freezing them to preserve them for an extended duration. Here is how you freeze jalapenos.

How Do You Freeze Jalapenos?

Jalapeno peppers are easy to freeze. However, they require preparation to prevent exposure to the cold air and moisture inside the freezer. Besides, you can freeze the jalapenos in various ways.

Freezing Jalapenos Whole

Freezing jalapenos whole is the easiest when compared with other freezing methods.

1. Choose green jalapenos for freezing. You can use the discolored or the ripened jalapenos for immediate consumption. However, they do not last long in the freezer.
2. Wash the jalapenos in running water. You can use distilled water to protect the jalapenos from bacterial contamination.
3. Dry the jalapenos by patting them with a paper towel. Water droplets can translate into ice crystals inside the freezer leading to the jalapenos getting spoiled while freezing.
4. Cut the stem but do not expose the seeds. Flash freeze the jalapenos on a baking tray to prevent them from sticking to each other during freezing.
5. Place the whole jalapenos in a ziplock freezer bag. Remove air from the freezer bag before sealing it. A vacuum sealer is better because it ensures the complete removal of residual air inside the bags.
6. Note the freezing date before placing the bags inside the freezer.

Freezing Sliced Or Diced Jalapenos

You can slice or dice the jalapeno peppers before freezing them. It saves you the trouble of doing so later. Besides, this process saves space and reduces wastage.

1. Clean the peppers as discussed above.
2. Slice the jalapenos into small pieces and fill the ice cube tray with them. Add water to the ice cube tray and allow it to freeze inside the freezer for two to three hours.
3. Once the water solidifies, you can remove the cubes containing the sliced jalapenos and transfer them to appropriately sized ziplock freezer bags.
4. Remove air from the packets before sealing and labeling them. Then, push the freezer bags into the freezer, allowing the jalapenos to freeze.

Freezing Jalapeno Paste

Some like to use jalapeno paste in their recipes. So, you can prepare the paste in advance and freeze it.

1. Wash and dry the jalapenos as described earlier.
2. Grind the jalapenos in the grinder with some water to make a paste.
3. Scoop the paste into ziplock freezer bags and seal them properly.
4. Stick the freezing date label and place these bags inside the freezer to let the paste freeze well.

How Long Do Jalapenos Remain Frozen Fresh Inside The Freezer?

Jalapenos can remain fresh for even one year inside the freezer, provided you prevent exposure to air and moisture. So, if you need some jalapenos in between, we suggest removing the required pieces and resealing the bag after expelling the air inside it. Then, you can place the bag inside the freezer to continue freezing.

How Do You Defrost Jalapenos?

You need not defrost the frozen jalapenos elaborately. Instead, you can use them directly from the freezer in the recipe. However, if you have frozen the jalapenos whole, they could be cold and uncomfortable to slice. Therefore, we suggest thawing them at room temperature on a paper towel. It helps absorb the condensed water from the frozen jalapenos.

Sliced and ground jalapenos do not need any defrosting. You can use them directly in recipes.

Can You Refreeze Jalapenos?

We do not advise refreezing jalapenos. Though freezing and defrosting do not damage its texture, the jalapenos can get spoilt and give out a putrid odor after extended freezing sessions. So, it is better to consume the jalapenos. Therefore, we suggest freezing the jalapenos in slices. It helps prevent wastage.

Can You Freeze Jalapeno Poppers?

Jalapeno poppers are spicy and delicious appetizers and snacks. You can freeze jalapeno poppers and preserve them for four months. So, preparing large batches of jalapeno poppers should not be an issue.

Can You Freeze Jalapenos Before Canning?

The best aspect of jalapeno and bell peppers is that you can freeze them without blanching. These vegetables turn limp after defrosting. So, you can consume them in cooked dishes easily. Therefore, you can freeze jalapenos before canning.

Can You Freeze Jalapeno Popper Filling?

Yes. It is possible to freeze jalapeno popper filling and use them later.

Can You Freeze Jalapenos From A Jar?

After opening, you can freeze jalapenos in a jar for two months in the freezer. However, you can freeze them sealed adequately for six months at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. But, please note that the canned peppers can become a bit mushy after defrosting.

Can You Freeze Jalapenos Slices?

Yes. You can freeze jalapeno slices. We have discussed the process in detail.

Can You Freeze Jalapenos With Seeds In Them?

When freezing them whole, the jalapenos have their seeds inside them. So, it is possible to freeze jalapenos with their seeds. But, if you slice them, we suggest removing the seeds and freezing them separately if required.

Can You Freeze Jalapeno Artichoke Dip?

Yes. It is possible to freeze jalapeno artichoke dip after it gets cooled to room temperature. We advise placing it in an airtight container or ziplock freezer bag and laying it flat inside the freezer. Once it solidifies, you can put it vertically to save space. The frozen jalapeno artichoke dip lasts for three months in the freezer.

Can You Freeze Jalapeno Peppers Whole?

Yes. Jalapeno peppers freeze best when they are frozen whole. It ensures the retention of its nutrients and thus maintains its spicy flavor.

Can You Freeze Jalapenos For Later Use?

Yes. You can freeze jalapenos and consume them later. The ideal way is to prepare a paste and freeze it.

Final Thoughts

Jalapeno peppers are used in various dishes. As you might require them frequently, it is natural to have a large stock of jalapeno peppers in your home. You can freeze the jalapenos in the freezer for extended periods if required.