Crescent Mixed Peppers 3 Ct • $2.33 Each

Bell peppers, also known as **sweet peppers** or **capsicums** (especially outside of the US), are a large, sweet-fleshed, non-pungent variety of pepper from the species *Capsicum annuum*. They are unique among peppers because they lack the compound **capsaicin**, which is what gives chili peppers their heat, making their Scoville rating **zero (0 SHU)**. Here is a summary of their key characteristics: ### **Colors and Flavor** Bell peppers are widely available in various colors, which correspond to their stage of ripeness and, consequently, their flavor and nutritional profile: * **Green:** The least ripe. They have a more **bitter, grassy** flavor and are less sweet than other colors. They are also generally the least expensive. * **Yellow and Orange:** Semi-ripe. They are **sweeter** and milder than green peppers. * **Red:** Fully ripe. They are the **sweetest** and have a much fruitier flavor. Red bell peppers are simply green peppers that have been left to mature on the vine. * *Other varieties* can be purple, brown, white, or striped. ### **Nutritional Benefits** Bell peppers are a healthy and low-calorie food, rich in vitamins and antioxidants: * **Excellent Source of Vitamin C:** Especially red and yellow peppers, which can contain significantly more Vitamin C than an orange. This is important for the immune system, collagen production, and iron absorption. * **High in Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene):** Red bell peppers are particularly high in this, which is good for eye health. * **Antioxidants:** They contain powerful antioxidants like **carotenoids** (lutein and zeaxanthin), which are beneficial for eye health and general cellular protection. ### **Culinary Uses** Bell peppers are incredibly versatile and used in cuisines around the world: * **Raw:** Sliced for salads, vegetable platters (crudités), or as a crunchy snack. * **Sautéed/Stir-fried:** Common in stir-fries, fajitas, and skillet meals. * **Roasted:** Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and makes the skin easy to peel. They are used in sauces (like Romesco), dips, and served as a side dish. * **Stuffed:** The large cavity of the bell pepper makes them perfect for stuffing with a mixture of meat, rice, cheese, and other vegetables, then baking. * **Mirepoix/Base:** In Cajun and Creole cooking, bell peppers form part of the "Holy Trinity" (onion, celery, and bell pepper) that serves as the aromatic base for many dishes.