Expiration & Storage Tips
When does hatch green chile expire?
Fresh hatch green chiles have a rather short shelf life, typically lasting up to a week in the refrigerator after purchase. If you have dried chiles, you're in luck - they can last up to a year or more in a cool, dry place. When it comes to canned or jarred Hatch green chiles, they can sit unopened in your pantry for 1-2 years past their printed best-by date. Once the can or jar has been opened, the chiles will typically stay good for about 1-2 weeks in the fridge. As with many vegetables, freezing hatch green chiles is a great way to extend their shelf life, and they can last for up to a year in the freezer.
How do you tell if hatch green chile is bad?
If you're worried your chiles have gone bad, there are a few key indicators to look out for. Fresh chiles that have gone bad will often become soft or mushy and may develop dark spots or mold. If your chiles have an off smell or if you can see mold or other discolorations, it's best to discard them. For canned or jarred chiles, any bulging, leaks or off smells are surefire signs that they've expired and should not be consumed. If you've frozen your chiles, be on the lookout for severe freezer burn or any strange odors once they are thawed - these are signs they may have gone bad.
Tips for storing hatch green chile to extend shelf life
• Store fresh hatch green chiles in a paper bag in the refrigerator to help them stay fresh longer.
• To extend their shelf life, consider roasting and peeling the chiles before storing them in the freezer. They can be placed in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• For canned or jarred chiles, ensure they're stored in a cool, dry place until opened. After opening, move them to an airtight container and keep them refrigerated.
• Dried chiles should be stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.
• Whether fresh or frozen, it's always a good idea to label your chiles with the date you stored them, so you can keep track of their age and avoid waste.