Description: Sweet peppers are plump, bell-shaped vegetables featuring either three or four lobes. They usually range in size from 2 to 5 inches in diameter, and 2 to 6 inches in length. Inside the thick flesh is an inner cavity with edible bitter seeds and a white spongy core.

 

Availability: Fresh - Summer

 

Facts: As bell peppers mature, their color changes from green, yellow, red, purple and finally brown. Because they lack capsaicin, bell peppers are not spicy and are sometimes referred to as sweet peppers. In fact, as they mature they also become sweeter.

Serving Size = 1/2 CUP

 

Selection: Choose firm, brightly colored peppers with tight skin that are heavy for their size.
Avoid dull, shriveled or pitted peppers.

 

Storage: Refrigerate in plastic bag for use within 5 days. 

Nutrition Benefits: Fat free; saturated fat free; low sodium; cholesterol free; low calorie; high in vitamin C.

 

Pigments: lutein, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene

 

Phytochemicals: p-courmaric acid, chlorogenic acid

ORAC Score: 710 (Red)