How do you tell a rotten chili pepper?

Visual Inspection:

* Color: Look for any discoloration. A healthy chili pepper will have vibrant, even color throughout. Rotten peppers might be:

* Brown or black spots: These indicate decay.

* Pale or faded: This suggests the pepper has lost its freshness.

* Yellow or orange spots: These can mean the pepper is overripe or starting to rot.

* Shape: A healthy pepper will be firm and have a smooth, even shape. Rotten peppers might be:

* Soft or mushy: This is a clear sign of rot.

* Wrinkled or shriveled: This means the pepper is dehydrated.

* Mold: Look for any white, green, or fuzzy growth. This is a sure sign of rot.

Touch Test:

* Firmness: A healthy pepper will feel firm and springy to the touch.

* Softness: A rotten pepper will feel soft and mushy.

Smell Test:

* Aroma: A fresh chili pepper has a pleasant, slightly spicy scent.

* Foul odor: A rotten pepper will have a pungent, sour, or musty smell.

If you find any of these signs, it's best to discard the chili pepper. It's not safe to eat and could make you sick.