IQF roasted peppers are one of the fastest-growing segments within the frozen vegetable category. They deliver all the operational advantages of standard IQF bell peppers over fresh peppers — including consistent supply, stable pricing, and virtually zero waste — while offering a flavor profile that fresh peppers simply cannot replicate.

Available in organic and conventional formats, IQF roasted peppers provide food manufacturers and foodservice operators with dependable performance and enhanced sensory appeal.

Why Fire Roasted IQF Peppers Outperform Fresh

Fresh peppers are subject to seasonal pricing fluctuations driven by weather, labor availability, and transportation costs. IQF roasted peppers are typically supplied under structured contracts that provide year-round price stability and predictable cost modeling.

In addition, fresh peppers contain seeds and core waste that reduce usable yield. IQF roasted peppers are trimmed and processed at the source, delivering 100% usable product to the production floor.

The result is better yield control, reduced waste, and improved margin protection.

Open Flame Fire Roasting Process

The process begins with harvesting peppers at peak maturity for optimal flavor and nutritional value. After washing, trimming to remove seeds and core, blanching, and cutting to customer specification, the peppers move through an open flame roasting system.

Unlike superficial searing methods that only char the exterior skin, Eckert’s open flame process tumbles individual cut segments through live flame. This ensures that both interior and exterior surfaces are evenly roasted.

The roasting process caramelizes natural sugars, reduces harsh vegetal notes, and develops a smoky, sweet complexity. Because roasting occurs at an industrial scale under controlled heat application, flavor, char level, and sweetness remain consistent from batch to batch.

Individually Quick Frozen for Performance

Following fire roasting, peppers undergo Individually Quick Frozen processing. Rapid freezing preserves cell structure, locks in roasted flavor, and keeps pieces free-flowing rather than clumped.

There are no additives or preservatives. Operators can move directly from frozen to finished application without additional prep labor. Portioning is accurate, blending is efficient, and production flow remains uninterrupted.

Cut Specifications & Packaging Options

IQF roasted peppers are available in multiple cut formats:

• -Diced from 1/4” to 1”

• -Strips up to 1-1/2” in length

Uniform sizing supports consistent cooking performance and presentation across frozen entrees, sauces, meal kits, and ready-to-eat applications.

Packaging options include:

• -44–50 lb cases

• -1,200–1,400 lb totes

Specifications vary depending on cut size and customer requirements.

Reliable Year-Round Supply

Frozen storage provides operational flexibility. IQF roasted peppers offer extended shelf life and stable year-round availability. Production teams reduce exposure to seasonal shortages and quality variability, while procurement teams gain pricing predictability and stronger planning leverage.

In commercial applications, IQF roasted peppers are not simply a substitute for fresh peppers. They are a strategic ingredient choice that enhances flavor, improves efficiency, reduces waste, and supports scalable production.