Skip to content
A close photo of bell peppers
NewVegetables Fruit vegetables

Bell pepper

Bell peppers are vibrant, sweet fruits from the nightshade family, enjoyed worldwide for their crisp texture and range of colors. Naturally low in calories and rich in vitamins, they are a staple in salads, stir-fries, and cooked dishes. Bell peppers are botanically fruits but commonly used as vegetables in culinary contexts.

Did you know ?

  • Red bell peppers have more vitamin C than an orange, providing up to 169% of the daily value per medium pepper.
  • Bell peppers come in a rainbow of colors, including green, yellow, orange, red, purple, and even white.
  • Green bell peppers are simply unripe versions of red, yellow, or orange peppers.

View other Fruit vegetables

Detailed nutritional values

Section titled “ Detailed nutritional values”

Values of an average bell pepper (~119 g) :

Calories37 kcal
Proteins1 g
Carbohydrates7 g
of which sugars6 g
Fiber2 g
Fats0.4 g

Vitamins and minerals

Main vitamins

Vitamin CVitamin B9Vitamin EVitamin B6Vitamin A

Main minerals and trace elements

PotassiumManganeseCopperMagnesiumPhosphorus

How to know if a bell pepper is ripe

Section titled “ How to know if is ripe”
A perfectly ripe bell pepper

Perfectly ripe

Ripe bell peppers are vibrant in color (red, yellow, orange, or purple), sweet, and juicy with a crisp bite.

How to recognize this state :

  • Bright, uniform color (red, yellow, orange, purple, or chocolate)
  • Firm but yields slightly to pressure
  • Smooth, glossy, unwrinkled skin
  • Sweet, fruity aroma
  • Juicy, sweet flesh
  • Seeds are firm and tan
  • Heavier for their size
  • Stem is green and fresh

Varieties examples

Section titled “ Varieties examples”

California Wonder

Classic blocky green-to-red bell pepper, widely grown for its sweet flavor.

Orange Bell Pepper

Vivid orange, juicy, and exceptionally sweet when fully ripe.

Purple Beauty

Deep purple skin, green interior, and a crisp, mild taste.

Chocolate Bell

Unique brown color with a rich, sweet flavor when ripe.

How to choose a bell pepper

Section titled “ How to choose ”

To choose a quality bell pepper at the supermarket or market :

  • Choose peppers with firm, glossy, and unblemished skin
  • Look for vibrant, uniform color depending on the variety
  • Pick peppers that feel heavy for their size
  • Avoid peppers with soft spots, wrinkles, or cuts
  • Check that the stem is green and fresh-looking

How to store a bell pepper

Section titled “ How to store ”

Store bell peppers in the refrigerator's crisper drawer for up to 1-2 weeks. Keep them dry and unwashed until use to prevent mold.

For longer storage, slice and freeze bell peppers in airtight containers or bags.

How to ripen a bell pepper

Section titled “ How to ripen ”

If you bought an unripe bell pepper, here's how to speed up the process :

  • Leave bell peppers at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, for a few days.
  • Place peppers in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple to speed up ripening.
  • Keep peppers near a sunny window, but avoid excessive heat.
  • Regularly turn the peppers to ensure even ripening.
  • Monitor daily and refrigerate once desired color is reached.

Health benefits of a bell pepper

Section titled “ Health benefits of ”
  • Extremely high in vitamin C, supporting immune health and skin vitality.
  • Rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene and flavonoids.
  • Low in calories and fat, making them ideal for weight management.
  • Good source of fiber, aiding digestion.
  • Contains vitamin A for eye health.
  • Supports heart health with potassium and folate.

Origin of a bell pepper

Section titled “ Origin of ”

Bell peppers are native to Central and South America, where they have been cultivated for thousands of years. Spanish and Portuguese explorers introduced them to Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries, and they quickly spread worldwide. Today, bell peppers are grown in temperate and tropical regions across the globe, prized for their versatility and nutrition.

Regions of origin

  • Central America
  • South America
  • Southern Europe
  • Asia (notably China and India)

Cook a bell pepper according to its ripeness

Section titled “ Cook according to its ripeness”

Unripe

  • Green pepper stir-fry
  • Pickled green bell peppers
  • Stuffed green peppers

Perfectly ripe

  • Roasted red pepper soup
  • Sautéed bell peppers and onions
  • Bell pepper fajitas

Overripe

  • Bell pepper sauce
  • Pepper and tomato stew
  • Bell pepper spread

Frequently asked questions

Section titled “ Frequently asked questions”

Warnings and precautions for a bell pepper

Section titled “ Warnings and precautions for ”
  • Wash bell peppers thoroughly to remove pesticide residues, especially if not organic.
  • People with nightshade allergies should avoid bell peppers.
  • Excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.
  • Discard peppers with visible mold or a rotten smell.
  • Always supervise children when handling or eating bell peppers to prevent choking.
  • Consult a healthcare provider if you experience unusual symptoms after eating bell peppers.

Do not confuse with

Chili Pepper

Chili peppers look similar but are spicy due to capsaicin, unlike mild bell peppers.