Sweet Peppers
When Christopher Columbus discovered sweet peppers on his travels in the New World, he thought he could make a fortune importing the delicious vegetable. However, the sweet peppers grew fine in their new, Mediterranean home. They remain a popular ingredient in Italian and Spanish dishes today.
When young, sweet peppers - or bell peppers as some call them - are green. There are also yellow, orange, purple and brown varieties. Red sweet peppers are actually green peppers left to ripen on the vine for a longer period of time. The sweetest peppers are red, yellow and orange, while green and purple peppers tend to have a more tart flavor.
The Nutrition Factor
Peppers are full of vitamins C and A, as well as folate. They are also high in fiber. Peppers consist mostly of water so the added bonus is they are low in calories.
Red Bell Peppers High in Antioxidant Activity
A study of ten different vegetables, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that red bell peppers had the highest total antioxidant activity of those studied. Broccoli, carrots, spinach, Cabbage, yellow onions, celery, potatoes, lettuce and cucumber followed red bell peppers, in that order. According to the study, red bell peppers contain beneficial phytochemicals called phenolics and are also high in vitamin C.
Picking a Pepper
Look for smooth, firm flesh that has rich color and no shriveled or soft spots. Avoid peppers with a hefty feel - this usually means they are full of seeds. Peppers are in the market year round but they are at their peak after Labor Day. They make great companions to the other vegetables and herbs of the season, like tomatoes or the last of the summer basil. You can store your peppers in the refrigerator, in a plastic bag, for about a week.
Pepper Tips
When you slice open a pepper, be sure your knife is firmly inside the pepper. This keeps the knife from bouncing off the rubbery surface.
Always remove the cap and stem and scoop out the seeds (hands work fine as tools) unless you're planning to roast or grill or broil your sweet peppers whole. Scrap away the charred peel with a knife afterwards. Washing the peppers under running water dilutes their taste. If the peel is stubborn, you may wet your hands and then peel the skin off with your fingers."
Pepper Partners
Sweet peppers taste great with eggplant, tomatoes, summer squash, onions, garlic or corn. As for herbs, try basil or marjoram. Other good flavor partners include vinegar, capers, olives, mozzarella, goat cheese and Parmesan.
See also:
Sweet Green Red or Chili Pepper Food Facts