Bell Peppers

Seasonality:

• Bell peppers are available year-round, with peak season being July through September.

Health Benefits of Bell Peppers:

• Bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin A and C and a good source of Vitamin E and Vitamin B6. The red variety have the highest amount of Vitamin C.
• Red bell peppers are also full of phytochemicals and carotenoids, like beta-carotene, that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• The capsaicin in bell peppers can reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol, control diabetes, bring relief from pain and ease inflammation.

How to Select Bell Peppers:

• Look for firm bell peppers with shiny, unblemished and wrinkle-free skins. Bell pepper should feel heavy for their size.
• Avoid dull, shriveled or pitted bell peppers.

How to Store Bell Peppers:

• Store bell peppers unwashed in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Keep them dry, as moisture will eventually cause them to rot.

How to Prepare Bell Peppers:

• The stem and seeds of a bell pepper should be removed before preparing for a recipe. If stuffing the bell pepper or using whole, cut around the stem on the top of the pepper, remove and scoop out seeds.
• You can also cut the pepper in half and cut out the stem and seeds before slicing or chopping.

Fun Facts About Bell Peppers:

• On his hunt for the black pepper, Christopher Columbus came upon bell peppers & named them.
• Red bell peppers are simply mature green peppers. The yellow and orange peppers are a different, sweeter variety.