Can I freeze Hatch chili peppers before roasting?

NCGrimbo · Aug 19, 2019

I've got a package of peppers coming in this week, but the weather may not cooperate with me. If it doesn't, I won't be able to roast the pepper for a few days and possibly up to a week later. So I'm wondering if I can freeze the peppers and then roast them at a later date when it's a nice day without rain?

Thanks!

Pig_Farmer · Aug 19, 2019

I've never froze prior to roasting, but I don't see why you couldn't.

m-fine · Aug 19, 2019

Yes, they freeze fairly well.

SonnyE · Aug 19, 2019

I would wonder if the texture might change after thawing them back out.
Often freezing causes the ice crystals to break down the cells and cause a mushiness.

But given the perils from freezing Versus the perils of spoilage...
I'd go for freezing. Might be just fine.
Can you contact the source to ask them?

Radrob · Aug 19, 2019

You'll be roasting mushy peppers once they thaw out, I wouldn't even think about freezing them.

BillN · Aug 19, 2019

Freezing is fine provided your intent is for the chilis to go strait into what ever you are cooking, however roasting needs to be done prior to freeing and IMO the chilis will freeze better.

PGarSD · Aug 19, 2019

I always get my Hatch chilies during roasting events (you roast them at the store where you buy them). Much easier than roasting them yourself. I agree with the previous poster, freezing and thawing/roasting may be a challenge (mushy).

A quick google search shows some scheduled roasting events in NC: http://www.ihatchchile.com/in/north-carolina/

Dont know if you're near these:

Harris Teeter
Green chili roasting
2080 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511
August 18th & 19th 2018

Harris Teeter
2107 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC
August 24th and 25th 2018

pitbossJB · Aug 19, 2019

I think the fridge would be the way to go.

tom b · Aug 19, 2019

I think a week would be ok and the fridge aint a bad idea

Bacchus2b · Aug 20, 2019

SonnyE said:
I would wonder if the texture might change after thawing them back out.
Often freezing causes the ice crystals to break down the cells and cause a mushiness.

THIS! Peppers are mostly water anyway. Unless you have a blast freezer you will end up with mushy peppers. Much better to freeze AFTER roasting.

jacobp · Aug 20, 2019

You could always use your broiler if you're in a bind with the weather.

Can I freeze Hatch chili peppers before roasting?

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