Fruit VegetablesIntermediate
Bell Pepper
Capsicum annuum
Scientific Name
Capsicum annuum
Family
Solanaceae
Origin
Central and South America
Type
Annual (perennial in tropics)
60-90 days
Culinary Uses
Flavor: Sweet, crisp, slightly fruity
- Raw in salads and crudités
- Roasted and peeled
- Stuffed peppers
- Stir-fries and fajitas
- Portuguese 'Pimentos assados'
Planting Calendar
Sow Indoors
FebruaryMarch
Sow Outdoors
Not recommended
Harvest
JulyAugustSeptemberOctober
Health Benefits
- Extremely high in vitamin C (more than oranges)
- Rich in beta-carotene (especially red peppers)
- Contains capsaicin's milder cousin for metabolism
- Good for eye health
- Anti-inflammatory properties