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Bell
Peppers: Are a great source of vitamin C. If you thought
citrus fruits packed a powerful punch when it comes to being a
good source of vitamin C, peppers have them beat. Green peppers
have twice the amount of vitamin C by weight than citrus fruits,
and this powerful punch of vitamin C is an antioxidant that may
be effective in preventing certain cancers. Red bell peppers have
three times as much vitamin C as the green varieties and are a
good source of beta carotene.
Bell
Peppers - Varieties: Bell peppers can be found in a rainbow
of colors and can vary in flavor. The variety of the pepper plant
and the stage of the ripeness determine the flavor and color of
each pepper. For example, a red bell pepper is simply a mature
green bell pepper. As a bell pepper ages, its flavor becomes sweeter
and milder. Red bell peppers contain eleven times more beta carotene
than green bell peppers.
Bell
Peppers - Selection: Bell peppers are available and are
in good supply all year, but they are more plentiful and less
expensive during the summer months. Fresh peppers come in variety
of colors, shapes, and sizes, but when selecting them, they all
follow the same guidelines. Their skin should be firm without
any wrinkles, and the stem should be fresh and green. They should
feel heavy for their size. Avoid peppers with sunken areas, slashes
or black spots.
Bell
Peppers - Storage: Store unwashed bell peppers in a plastic
bag in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week.
Green bell peppers will stay fresh a little longer than the yellow
and red ones.
Bell
Peppers - Tips:
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Use them to create colorful and exciting meals by adding a mixture
of different colored sliced or chopped peppers to your favorite
salads, pastas, and Chinese or Mexican dishes.
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They
can be used as a colorful garnish.
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Include
sliced peppers on your next veggie tray.
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Carve out peppers and stuff them with rice or use them as colorful
containers for dips or other edible items.
Bell Peppers Information Page - Return To Top
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