Bell peppers are versatile, healthy, and add flavor to a variety of dishes. Enjoy experimenting with different methods of preparation to make the most of these vibrant vegetables!
Quick Finds
How to Tell if They’re Good When Grocery Shopping
- Look for firm, shiny skin: The bell pepper should have a smooth, taut skin with no wrinkles or soft spots.
- Check for color vibrancy: Colors should be rich and deep (red, yellow, orange, or green). Avoid peppers with pale or faded colors.
- Inspect for blemishes: Minor scuffs are fine, but avoid peppers with deep cuts, bruises, or any mold.
- Weight: A good bell pepper should feel heavy for its size, indicating it’s full of moisture and freshness.
Flavors of the Different Colors
- Green Bell Peppers: Slightly bitter and grassy flavor, less sweet than other colors. Often picked before fully ripened.
- Red Bell Peppers: Sweet, fruity, and the most flavorful. Fully ripened green peppers.
- Yellow Bell Peppers: Milder and sweeter than green, with a slight tang.
- Orange Bell Peppers: Similar to yellow but with a slightly richer sweetness and more vibrant flavor.
How to Prep and Store for Maximum Freshness
- Cleaning: Rinse under cool water before use, removing any dirt or pesticides.
- Storing: Store in the fridge’s vegetable drawer in a plastic bag or crisper drawer. Avoid storing with ethylene-producing fruits (like apples) to extend freshness.
How Long Will They Keep Fresh?
- In the fridge: Up to 1 week. Peppers start to lose their crispness and flavor after this time.
- In the freezer: Can be frozen after being chopped, blanched for 2 minutes, and stored in an airtight bag. Best used within 10-12 months.
How Long Will They Keep Cooked?
- In the fridge: Cooked bell peppers can be stored for 3-5 days in an airtight container.
- In the freezer: Can last up to 6-8 months after being cooked and stored properly in airtight containers.
How to Prepare for Cooking
- Remove the stem and seeds: Cut off the top, slice in half, and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Slice or chop: Depending on the recipe, slice into strips, dice, or chop into chunks.
Ways to Cook Bell Peppers
Sautéing
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced peppers, season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
Roasting
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice peppers into halves or quarters, remove seeds, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until skin is blistered and tender.
Grilling
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Slice peppers into thick strips or halves, brush with oil.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until charred and tender.
