How to Store Peppers
Peppers are short to medium term keepers and lose quality quickly if too warm or too cold. Most home gardeners get the best results by refrigerating them for a limited time.
Best storage conditions
Store peppers at about 45 to 50 F when possible. High humidity, around 90 to 95 percent, helps prevent shriveling. In most homes, refrigeration is the practical choice even though standard refrigerators are slightly colder than ideal. Do not leave peppers at room temperature for long unless you plan to use them within a day or two.
How long it keeps
Sweet or hot peppers usually keep about 1 to 3 weeks, depending on maturity and condition. Fully colored, thin walled, or damaged peppers tend to have a shorter storage life.
Storage methods
Place peppers in the warmer part of the refrigerator or in a crisper drawer with moderate ventilation. Avoid sealed bags that trap condensation. Root cellar storage is generally not used for peppers. No curing is needed for fresh use, though mature hot peppers can be dried.
Freezing & preserving
Peppers freeze very well for cooking and can also be dried, especially hot types. For pickled or canned peppers, use tested USDA or NCHFP procedures.
Tips
Keep peppers dry and handle them carefully to avoid skin breaks. Use any fruit with soft spots first because decay spreads quickly.
General home-storage guidance. For home canning and preserving safety, follow USDA and National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) guidelines. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.