Green peppers (Capsicum annuum) are members of the nightshade family, which also includes potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant. Sweet peppers are plump, bell-shaped vegetables featuring either three or four lobes. Green and purple peppers have a slightly bitter flavor, while the red, orange and yellows are sweeter and almost fruity in their flavor.
Selection and storage
Choose peppers that have deep, vivid colors, taut skin, and are free of soft spots, blemishes and darkened areas. The stems should be green and fresh looking. Unwashed peppers stored in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator will keep for approximately 7-10 days.
Preparation and serving methods
Before coring and/or cutting the pepper, wash it under cold running water. To easily chop, dice or cut the peppers into strips, first cut the pepper in half lengthwise, clean out the core and seeds, and then, after placing the skin side down on the cutting surface, cut into the desired size and shape.
