Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Peppers With Black Seeds
The blackening of pepper seeds is commonly associated with spoilage, but it doesn't always mean that it should be discarded. Thus, the importance of knowing what this blackening really means, if peppers with black seeds are safe for consumption as well as other tell-tale signs of spoilage.
If you love eating peppers, then you must have come across an unsightly blackening of their seeds. This likely caused you great concern, and you, most frustratingly, had to discard the peppers.
Experts, however, say that peppers with black seeds may still be safe for eating. Here's why:
Pepper seeds that have a nearly white color are fresh, while those that have blackened have either died or didn't even develop properly, to begin with. This means that you can still eat peppers with black seeds; all you have to do is carve out the rotten seeds!
But, keep in mind that this is only appropriate if you observe that there are no mold growths on the pepper and that the pepper's remainder is firm to touch.
On the other hand, there are brown seeds which signify that the pepper seeds are fast drying out. This is, however, a natural phenomenon, and you can still consume the pepper seeds.
Tell-tale Signs Of Spoilage
If you store your peppers in a fridge and close to other vegetables, you want to keep an eye out for the following signs as such moist conditions can quicken spoilage.
Texture:
Give the peppers a soft feel, checking for the firmness of their flesh. Fresh peppers have smooth skins and remain firm to touch, while rotten ones look wrinkly and feel soft. This means that the pepper is nearing its last stage of freshness and should be eaten soon.
Color:
Another important sign of pepper going bad is if the color has changed. The normal colors which may signal different stages of ripening include green, yellow and red. Brown or black/brown blotches signal spoilage and that you should throw out the peppers.
Moldy growths
Next, check the stem of the pepper for signs of fuzzy white or black mold. Mold growths typically begin where the stem meets the skin.
Smell
Cut the peppers open and take a whiff. If you observe any putrid or uncharacteristic smell, then they may be bad.
On a final note, it is important to mention that some peppers naturally have black seeds; this doesn't signify spoilage, and you can consume the seeds alongside the flesh of the peppers. Examples are the Manzano Chili Peppers and the Capsicum pubescens.
