Do you know how to choose a good bell pepper? Learn simple tricks to find the freshest and tastiest!

1. Observe the color of the bell pepper

The color of a bell pepper is one of the first indicators of its quality and taste. There are different varieties of peppers, and the color can vary between green, yellow, red and orange. Each color has slightly different characteristics:

• Green bell pepper: More firm and with a more bitter taste. They are usually the immature version of the bell pepper and therefore have less sugar.
• Yellow and orange peppers: They have a milder, slightly sweet taste and are a transition between green and red peppers.
• Red peppers: The sweetest and mildest, as they are fully ripe peppers. It has the sweetest flavor and the most nutrients.

2. Check the texture of the peel

The peel of the bell pepper should be firm and smooth, without wrinkles or dark spots. A good quality bell bell pepper has a shiny, undamaged skin. Avoid those with dented, shriveled or wrinkled areas, as this can be a sign that the bell pepper is starting to ripen or deteriorate.

3. Touch and weight

The bell pepper should be heavy for its size, which indicates that it is well hydrated and juicy. When you pick up the bell pepper, it should feel firm and consistent. A bell pepper that is too light can indicate that it is dry or has lost some of its water content, which impacts on the texture and flavor.

4. Look at the base of the bell pepper (locules)

Although the myth about "male" and "female" peppers is still popular, in reality, the number of locules (the internal divisions of the bell pepper) can indicate the flavor. Peppers with four lobes are sweeter, while those with three lobes generally taste more bitter and are firmer, which can be interesting for dishes that require a crunchier texture, such as salads.

5. Smell the bell pepper

The aroma is also a good indicator of freshness. Fresh peppers should smell mild and fresh. If the peppers give off a strong or strange smell, it could be a sign that they are past their prime.

6. How to store bell peppers

After choosing the peppers, it's important to store them correctly to preserve their freshness. Peppers can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. Store it in a plastic bag or tightly closed container to prevent it from losing moisture and deteriorating quickly.

Final Tips

• If the bell pepper is too hard or stiff, it may be immature. Prefer peppers with a slight flexibility in the skin, but which still retain their firmness.
• Peppers of different colors can be used in different ways, depending on the desired flavor. Red is the sweetest and ideal for dishes that require a mild flavor, while green is great for spicier dishes.

Choosing a good bell pepper isn't difficult when you know what to look for. Pay attention to color, texture, weight and aroma, and you'll always have fresh, tasty peppers for your recipes. Whether for a salad or even for stuffing, bell peppers are an excellent addition to your diet, bringing not only flavor, but also important vitamins and nutrients for your health.

Extra tip: If you like sweeter peppers, invest in red peppers, which are richer in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Sources:

• Tuasaude.com
• Catracalivre.com.br
• Minhasaude.proteste.org.br
• King of Garlic

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