Green peppers are a mild, sweet fruit used in many cuisines, but it can be hard to tell if they are ripe. They are easily grown at home and can be eaten raw or used in stuffed peppers or pickling mixes. Care should be taken when purchasing to ensure the best flavor.
A green pepper, also called a bell pepper, is a mildly sweet fruit used in many cuisines of different regions. Unlike its spicy cousins, the green pepper has little or no discernible heat and can be safely enjoyed by those who dislike spicy foods. Green peppers are delicious in a variety of recipes, but care should be taken when purchasing to ensure the best flavor.
Green peppers are a confusing vegetable, as it’s hard to tell if the available specimens are ripe. Other types of peppers, such as red, yellow and orange peppers, turn green before they ripen. Often, the green peppers available at the grocery store are actually unripe yellow or red peppers and are much less sweet and more bitter. Also, there are green peppers that stay green when ripe, making choosing even more confusing. It may be advisable to grow peppers at home or buy them directly from farmers if the difference in taste is an issue.
Green pepper plants are easily found at nurseries and garden supply stores and grow well in all temperate climates. Peppers can be grown from seeds or small plants. If grown from seed, peppers should be planted in late winter or early spring. Many experts recommend letting the seeds ripen indoors and transferring them to outdoor beds or containers after two to three months. Peppers will produce fruit throughout the year depending on the general climate.
After you get a stash of green peppers, the question becomes how best to prepare them. Some people like to eat green peppers raw, as they are a crunchy and sweet addition to salads and crudite dishes. Recipes using green pepper are often adapted to Mediterranean and South American cuisine.
A stuffed green pepper is a deliciously delicious treat that can be made with a variety of fillings. To make, cut off the top with a green pepper and reserve. Dig out the pepper, carefully removing all the seeds. Fill the peppercorn with cheese, ground beef, rice, beans, or other veggies and replace the top. The pepper can then be baked or dipped in batter and fried. Stuffed peppers can be customized to suit any cuisine depending on the filling; Czech, Mexican, Italian and even Israeli versions are all easily created.
Green peppers are also included in pickling mixes for a tangy and flavorful treat. To make green pepper pickles, combine bell peppers, onions, and chili peppers in a sterilized jar. In a pot, boil the cider vinegar, salt, and any combination of marinated spices, such as dill, coriander, fennel seeds, and peppercorns. Pour the vinegar mixture into the pickle jar and return to heat in a pot filled with water. After cooking, cool the mixture and store carefully.
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