Green Bell Peppers Delivery or Pickup

Bell peppers are a botanical fruit from the nightshade family. Due to their sweet flavors, bell peppers behave more like a vegetable in culinary applications. They are relatives of chili peppers, tomatoes, and breadfruit. Bell peppers are hollow, with seeds in the center, but are larger, crunchier, and rounder than their relatives.

Bell peppers are native to Mexico, Central, and South America. In the past, the seeds found their way to Spain before moving through Europe and Asia. Today, China is the largest grower of bell peppers, followed by Mexico, Turkey, Indonesia, and the United States. Locally grown bell peppers are typically available from mid-summer through September.

This particular bell pepper variety lacks capsaicin, the compound that causes a burning sensation common in other pepper varieties. The nature of bell peppers prompts some to refer to them as sweet peppers or capsicums. The common spice, paprika, derives from the process of drying and powdering some varieties of bell peppers.

The pepper's color depends on its stage in the ripening process. Bell peppers begin green, considered the unripe stage, then they turn yellow, orange, and finally, red when fully ripe. Picking bell peppers throughout the ripening process might result in multi-colored peppers. A few varieties remain green when fully ripe, while still others turn purple, white, and brown.

Green bell peppers have a slightly bitter flavor compared to their yellow, orange, and red counterparts. They provide a refreshing flavor and satisfying crunch when eaten raw, and add texture and nutrients as an ingredient in cooked dishes.

Although classified as a fruit, the vegetable-like characteristics of green bell peppers make them a healthy topping or ingredient in numerous recipes. Despite their 97% water content, green bell peppers are high in vitamins C and K and rich in fiber.

The versatility of green bell peppers makes them an ideal ingredient in various recipes or a delicious side dish. Prepare green bell peppers in several ways:

Green bell peppers should be smooth and shiny with bright green skin. Look for peppers firm to the touch without dark blemishes or bruises. Green bell peppers may have patches of yellow, which is simply an indication of partial ripening. Check the stem for discoloration and discard peppers they become soft or develop soft spots. Scarring isn't a concern and doesn't affect the taste or quality of the pepper.

Green bell peppers are typically purchased as:

Green bell peppers are easy to prepare, whether you plan to eat them raw or cooked. Some people with sensitive digestion might consider first removing the skin with a vegetable peeler. Use a sharp knife to cut the pepper according to the recipe. Cut and remove the stem, then core the pepper to leave it whole for stuffing, or slice the pepper down the center to cut it in half. 

Next, remove the white ribs attached to the inside of the pepper. Remove the seeds, but don't worry about getting every single one. Although the seeds are completely edible, they can enhance the pepper's bitter taste.