Peppers
Summer, Fall, Winter
Health Benefits
Bell peppers start out green before turning yellow, orange, and then red. Red peppers have almost 11 times more beta-carotene and 1.5 times more vitamin C than green peppers. All peppers are an excellent source of potassium, folic acid, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. In fact, one cup of peppers will give you more than your daily quota of vitamin A and C. They also contain a substance called capsaicin which greatly boosts metabolism, reduces “bad” cholesterol, controls diabetes, eases inflammation, and brings relief from pain.
History
Prehistoric remains in Peru indicate that the pepper was cultivated in Central and South America more than 9000 years ago. Columbus brought them to Europe in 1493 where they were widely accepted and quickly cultivated.
Recipes to Try
How to Store
Store unwashed peppers in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Peppers will keep for 1-2 weeks. To freeze, slice or chop peppers and spread them in a single layer on a cookie tray and freeze. Then, place in airtight containers or a heavy-duty freezer bag and return to the freezer. Peppers will keep fresh when frozen for 10-12 months.
How to Prepare
First, wash and dry peppers. Then, remove the stem by cutting around it in a circle. Lay the pepper on its side and slice in half. Scoop out the pith a seeds. Lay the halves on a cutting board and slice skin side down. Peppers can be cut into slices or chopped. For stuffing or roasting, cut off the stem end and use a spoon to scoop out the center pith and seeds.
Ways to Enjoy
Peppers are fantastic stuffed, baked, fried, roasted, grilled, sautéed, or stir-fried. Toss with salads or enjoy on a wrap, sandwich, or pizza. Add peppers to your salsa, quesos, empanadas, and soups or enjoy raw or pickled.
Health Benefits
Bell peppers start out green before turning yellow, orange, and then red. Red peppers have almost 11 times more beta-carotene and 1.5 times more vitamin C than green peppers. All peppers are an excellent source of potassium, folic acid, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K. In fact, one cup of peppers will give you more than your daily quota of vitamin A and C. They also contain a substance called capsaicin which greatly boosts metabolism, reduces “bad” cholesterol, controls diabetes, eases inflammation, and brings relief from pain.