The bell pepper is a zero-heat pepper that is used in numerous recipes from all across the world. It derives from the capsicum annuum species of is used to enhance the flavor of certain dishes.
It is core to Cajun cuisine as well as Indian food. These peppers come in a range of eye-catching colors ranging from yellow, green, orange and red.
There are also some peppers that are purple, brown or white, although these are less readily available. These peppers can also vary in terms of their taste, although they are not spicy like the forms of pepper.
Their flavor is determined by the kind of plant that they are picked from and their level of ripeness when they were picked. For instance, an orange or red bell pepper is the evolution of a green bell pepper.
This is why orange, red and yellow peppers usually cost more because they take a longer time to harvest. These traditional bell peppers are usually approximately the size of a large fist and the taste is incredibly mild.
Although these types of peppers can be classified botanically as being a fruit, it is more commonly used as a vegetable and in this sense, has similar qualities to a tomato.
There are many health benefits of eating bell peppers and these peppers are usually naturally low in calories whilst being packed with vital vitamins like vitamin C and essential antioxidants.
Therefore, bell peppers are incredible additions to a balanced and nutritious diet. These peppers are also brilliant when stuffed or cooked with a wide variety of dishes.
Nutritional Information
Raw bell peppers are incredibly good for you as they are made of 94% water. The remainder consists of health carbs with a small portion of protein. They also contain only 31 calories per pepper, 2.1 grams of fibre and 4.2 grams of sugar.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are the best shape and consistency for stuffing with any ingredient that you can think of.
In order to slice them correctly, slice off the top and stem of your bell pepper, scoop out the core and stuff them with a variety of minced meats or vegetable proteins alongside some rice.
Then sprinkle on some cheese and add seasoning. You should then bake them at 350 degrees for 30 minutes to an hour or until they look softened for serving.
This meal option is healthy and delicious and there are no limits on your culinary creativity when it comes to cooking bell pepper. You can also cook these peppers in a crock pot or a slow cooker for an even greater taste!
How To Grow Bell Peppers
You can start to grow bell peppers from seed in an indoor environment 2 months prior to your expected date of frosting. You can also plant these papers outside, directly into the earth!
Purchase some seedlings, plant them into containers and position them in the sunlight. You should also fertilize your seeds regularly until they are strong enough to be planted.
Can You Freeze Bell Peppers?
Freezing bell peppers is an incredibly smart way to preserve them so they can be used at a later date. To freeze bell peppers you need to select those peppers that have shown no sign of rot whatsoever.
Then, wash them thoroughly and dry them completely. Slice the peppers open and then remove the stems, seeds and membrane and chop them as you’d like them to be frozen.
Then, transfer the peppers into freezer bags and remove any air (or as much as possible).
Finally, set your peppers Into the freezer and blanch them before freezing.
How To Roast Bell Peppers
In order to roast bell peppers, set your oven temperature to 400 degrees and then place the whole bell pepper onto an oiled baking sheet in the centre of a hot oven.
Bake them for 30 minutes or until the skins are charred, you can achieve this effect by flipping them in order to roast them thoroughly.
You can also make this process easier by slicing them in half and baking them with the skin side up. Add the charred pepper to a bowl after roasting and cover it, allowing it to steam for 10 minutes in order to further loosen the skin.
When the skins are properly loosened, you can discard the skin entirely.
How To Store Bell Peppers
The best place that you can store fresh bell peppers is in the fridge. You can place them in a plastic container or bag and store them neatly in a vegetable drawer and you do not need to wash them prior to storing them.
It is always best for your peppers to be in a plastic container or bag prior to storing as they need to be kept dry as water will enhance the rotting process.
Bell peppers will usually last 3 weeks when stored correctly but you should always be sure to check them thoroughly for signs of rotting prior to using them.
Can Bell Peppers Be Eaten Raw?
These bell peppers are flavorsome and healthy and offer a necessary crunch when they are eaten raw. They are beautifully sweet and therefore make the perfect snack to be eaten alongside sour cream dips.
Peppers also contain 5.9 net grams of carbs per half cup and are packed with antioxidants and potassium in order to balance out your diet.
Raw bell peppers are fully loaded with a variety of minerals and vitamins including Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K1, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Potassium and Folate so you are guaranteed to be filling your body with a vast array of essential nutrients that will help to boost your metabolism and cleanse any toxins that you have stored.
Do Different-Colored Bell Peppers Come From Different Plants?
Contrary to what you may believe, the green and red bell peppers are the same derivative of pepper, the red pepper has just been allowed to mature for a longer period of time.
Red peppers are also higher in vitamin C for this reason. Mature peppers also tend to be far sweeter when compared to their green counterparts.
Are There Male And Female Peppers?
There is also a myth that insinuates that peppers can either be female or male and that male peppers have three bumps on the bottom and are therefore better for cooking as opposed to 4 bump peppers which are seen as female.
However, this isn’t true. Peppers are not gendered and any difference in their appearance is down to the conditions that they have been grown into or the variety of bell pepper that they are.
To conclude, bell peppers are the perfect treat for party-goers when they are sliced and used with a variety of dips, they are also delicious when stuffed and filled with a variety of different, flavorsome fillings.
They are also a brilliant source of vitamin c, calcium, antioxidants, carbs, protein and make the perfect addition to a healthy lifestyle. Bell peppers are undoubtedly one of the most tasty vegetables and they are also incredibly easy to prepare and cook.
There are no limits to the culinary potential of the bell pepper and they also make a great alternative for those who want to eat peppers but are reluctant to indulge in anything that is hot or spicy.
Whether you are seeking to find a tasty ingredient that you can add to a favorite dish or you are looking to cleanse your body after a tumultuous period of time, you are guaranteed to find a dish that transforms your tastebuds where bell peppers play a crucial part!
