Freezing chile is an excellent way to maintain its quality.

To Peel or Not to Peel?

• Whole chiles can be frozen unpeeled – they are easier to peel after freezing.
• Or, you can peel them before freezing, for easier meal prep.

Chill Before You Freeze

• Roasted chiles should be used or frozen within three days of being stored in the refrigerator.
• Roasted chiles need to be packed in a food safe container and cooled completely (to below 40°F) in an ice bath or refrigerator before freezing. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria during storage.

Pack it Right

• Pack chile for freezing in containers no deeper than 2 inches. (Home freezers cannot efficiently and quickly remove heat from food placed in deeper containers. If storage packages are too large, chiles will freeze slowly, resulting in a mushy texture as ice crystals form in the chile flesh.)
• Consider freezing chopped chile in smaller portions for quick addition to a meal.

Storage Tips

• Chiles can be stored safely in the freezer for up to 12 months.