Peppers, also known as sweet peppers, are versatile and colorful vegetables widely appreciated in cuisine around the world. Their mild flavor, crunchy texture and vibrant color palette make them an essential ingredient in many recipes, whether raw, cooked or even grilled. Originating in the Americas, peppers have crossed continents and become an integral part of various culinary cultures, becoming a symbol of diversity and creativity in the kitchen.

Peppers have a long history dating back millennia in Central and South America, where they were cultivated by pre-Columbian civilizations such as the Aztecs and Mayans. These indigenous peoples used peppers as part of their daily diet and also considered them important ritual elements.

After Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492, peppers were introduced to Europe and quickly adopted into Mediterranean cuisine. Over time, new bell pepper varieties were developed, each with its own characteristics of flavor, color and size.

In the 16th century, peppers were exported to Asia and Africa by Portuguese and Spanish navigators, widening their worldwide distribution. Their popularity continued to grow, and they have become an essential ingredient in many traditional cuisines around the world.

Today, peppers are grown in many parts of the globe, from the USA to India, Turkey and Spain. Their versatility in the kitchen and their ability to adapt to different climates make them one of the most popular and widely grown vegetables in the world. Whether in salads, stuffed, grilled, or simply crunched raw, peppers continue to delight the taste buds and add a touch of color and flavor to our favorite dishes.

The different varieties of bell pepper

Peppers come in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes and even flavors. Here's an overview of the main bell pepper varieties:

Green bell pepper

The green bell pepper is probably the most common variety. It is harvested before it is fully ripe, which gives it its distinctive green color. It has a more herbaceous, slightly bitter flavor than other bell pepper varieties. It is also the least sweet variety.

Red bell pepper

Red peppers are the same as green peppers, but are harvested when fully ripe, giving them a bright red color. It has a sweeter, fruitier flavor than the green bell pepper, making it ideal for use in salads and grilled dishes.

Yellow bell pepper

Yellow peppers are similar to red peppers, but are harvested at an intermediate stage of ripeness, which gives them their bright yellow color. It has a sweet, slightly fruity flavor, with a crunchy texture. Its bright color makes it an attractive addition to many dishes.

Orange bell pepper

Orange peppers are an intermediate color between red and yellow. It is harvested when fully ripe, which gives it its characteristic orange color. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, similar to the red bell pepper, but with a touch of acidity.

Purple or mauve bell pepper

The purple bell pepper is less common than the other varieties and is distinguished by its deep purple color. It has a slightly bitter, herbaceous flavor, similar to green bell pepper, but with richer nuances.

White bell pepper

The white bell pepper is a rare variety characterized by its creamy white skin. It has a mild, delicate flavor, with a tender texture. This variety is often used to add a unique visual touch to dishes.

Mini sweet peppers

Mini sweet peppers are miniature versions of standard peppers, offering sweet flavor and crunchy texture. Their small size makes them a convenient option for snacks, salads or stuffed dishes, and their bright color palette adds a visually appealing touch to any dish. These little delights are not only delicious, but also rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to your daily diet.

Nutritional highlights of peppers

Peppers are not only delicious in a variety of dishes, they also offer several health benefits due to their nutritional composition. Here are some of the nutritional highlights of peppers:

1. Rich in vitamin C Peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, providing over 100% of the recommended daily intake per serving. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system, promote healthy skin and protect against cardiovascular disease.

2. Low in calories Peppers are low in calories, making them an excellent food for those watching their weight. A serving of peppers generally contains less than 50 calories, making them a healthy and satiating snack option.

3. Source of fiber Source of fiber: Peppers are rich in dietary fiber, which helps promote good digestive health by aiding intestinal transit and preventing constipation. Dietary fiber also helps regulate blood sugar and maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

4. Rich in antioxidants Peppers contain a variety of antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids, which help protect cells from free radical damage. These compounds are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.

5. Source of vitamins and minerals In addition to vitamin C, peppers also contain vitamins A, B6 and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and manganese. These nutrients are essential for bone health, nerve function, blood pressure regulation and much more.

Because of their impressive nutritional profile, peppers can be an excellent addition to any balanced diet. They are versatile and can be eaten raw in salads, sautéed in stir-fry dishes, grilled as a side dish or stuffed to create delicious, healthy meals.

Choosing and storing peppers

How to choose a bell pepper

1. Appearance Appearance: Choose peppers with smooth, firm, shiny skin, free of wrinkles and blemishes. Avoid peppers that show signs of wilting or rot.

2. Color Color: Peppers should be bright and uniform in color. Depending on your preference, you can choose green, red, yellow, orange or violet peppers.

3. Size and shape Size and shape: Peppers should be firm and fleshy, with a regular shape. Avoid those that are misshapen or appear soft.

4. Weight Weight: Look for peppers that are heavy for their size, indicating that they are well hydrated and juicy.

Bell pepper storage:

1. Refrigeration Store peppers in the refrigerator crisper, wrapped in a perforated plastic bag. They can be stored for up to a week this way.

2. Avoid humidity Make sure peppers are thoroughly dry before refrigerating, as moisture can promote rotting.

3. Do not wash before storing Avoid washing peppers before storing them in the refrigerator, as additional moisture can accelerate spoilage.

4. Freezing You can also freeze peppers for longer-term storage. Wash, seed and chop the peppers, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Tips for preparing peppers

Here are a few practical tips for preparing peppers before using them in your recipes:

1. Wash peppers Before cutting, wash peppers thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or pesticide residue that may be present on the skin.

2. Cut peppers correctly To cut peppers, use a sharp knife. Start by cutting off the stalk and removing the seeds and white membranes inside. Peppers can be cut into quarters, strips or cubes as required.

3. Remove roasted skin If you have roasted peppers to remove the skin, allow them to cool slightly before handling. Grilled skin can be removed more easily by rubbing gently with your fingers or using a paper towel.
   

4. Using different cooking methods Peppers can be prepared in many different ways, including grilled, sautéed, roasted, stuffed or even eaten raw. Experiment with different cooking methods to discover which best enhances their flavor and texture.

5. Combining peppers with other ingredients Peppers go well with a variety of other ingredients, such as onions, garlic, tomatoes, fresh herbs and cheeses. Feel free to combine them in your recipes to add depth of flavor and texture.

6. Using leftover peppers If you have leftover cooked peppers, don't waste them! They can be added to soups, sauces, omelettes, salads or sandwiches to add an extra touch of flavor.

By following these tips, you'll be able to prepare peppers efficiently and incorporate them easily into your favorite recipes, adding color, flavor and nutrients to your dishes.

Why choose organic peppers?

Favoring organic peppers has many advantages, both for your health and for the environment. Here are just a few reasons why choosing organic peppers makes sense:

1. Absence of chemical pesticides and fertilizers Organic peppers are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. This reduces exposure to chemical residues potentially harmful to human health and the environment.

2. Protecting biodiversity Organic farming practices promote biodiversity by preserving soils, protecting wildlife habitats and encouraging crop rotation. This helps maintain a healthier ecological balance in agricultural ecosystems.

3. Superior nutritional quality Studies have shown that organic foods can have higher levels of certain nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, than their non-organic counterparts. Organic peppers can therefore offer superior nutritional quality.

4. Support for sustainable farming practices By choosing organic peppers, you support farmers who adopt environmentally-friendly farming practices that promote the long-term sustainability of food systems.

5. Reduced ecological footprint Organic farming practices, such as efficient management of natural resources and reduced use of fossil fuels, help to reduce the ecological footprint of food production.

Recipes with peppers