All About Green chili
Your complete guide to green chili - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Green chili Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for green chili in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Room Temperature2-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Softening, wrinkling, dulling of vibrant green color, development of dark spots, mold growth (fuzzy white, blue, or black patches), a sour or fermented odor.
How to Check
Visually inspect for any discoloration, shriveling, or mold. Gently squeeze; it should feel firm. If it's soft, squishy, or slimy, it's likely spoiled. Smell for any off-odors.
Storage Tips
This method is only suitable for very short-term storage. Keep chilies in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not wash until ready to use, as moisture encourages spoilage.
Raw in Refrigerator1-3 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Loss of firmness, shriveling or wrinkling, dark brown or black spots, sliminess, mold growth (fuzzy patches), a sour, fermented, or unpleasant odor.
How to Check
Visually check for any signs of mold, significant discoloration, or excessive wrinkling. Touch the chili; it should be firm and crisp. If it feels soft, mushy, or slimy, it's gone bad. Smell for any off or sour smells.
Storage Tips
For best results, store unwashed chilies in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in a paper towel inside a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. This helps absorb excess moisture while allowing some air circulation. Avoid storing near ethylene-producing fruits like apples or bananas, as they can accelerate ripening and spoilage.
Raw in Freezer6-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (extensive dry, discolored patches), extreme mushiness or disintegration upon thawing, a noticeably dull or faded color, or an off-smell (though rare if properly stored).
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive freezer burn, which indicates quality degradation. After thawing, the texture will be softer than fresh but should not be completely disintegrated. A slight chili aroma should still be present, not an off-odor.
Storage Tips
Wash and thoroughly dry the chilies. You can freeze them whole, or remove stems and seeds then chop or slice them as desired. Store in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date. Frozen chilies are best used in cooked dishes as their texture will soften significantly upon thawing.