The Nutritional Value of Bell Peppers
Nutritional Value (per 100g)
- Vitamin C: 128mg (142% DV) – more than oranges!
- Vitamin A: 157 IU (3% DV) – from beta-carotene, especially in red peppers
- Fiber: 1.6g – supports digestive health
- Potassium: 175mg – helps regulate blood pressure
- Antioxidants: Rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, and quercetin
- Low Calories: Only 20 kcal per 100g – perfect for weight management
Health Benefits
- ✔ Boosts immune system with high vitamin C content
- ✔ Promotes eye health with lutein and zeaxanthin
- ✔ Supports heart health through potassium and fiber
- ✔ May reduce inflammation due to antioxidant compounds
- ✔ Enhances skin appearance by supporting collagen production
Tip: Red peppers are the most mature and nutritious; choose firm, glossy fruits without soft spots.
How to Grow Colorful Bell Peppers
1
Variety Selection
- Common Colors: Green, yellow, orange, red, purple
- Cultivars: Choose disease-resistant hybrids like 'California Wonder' or 'Jupiter'
2
Seed Starting
- Timing: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost
- Temperature: Germinate at 70–85°F (21–29°C)
3
Transplanting
- When: After all danger of frost has passed
- Spacing: 18–24 inches apart in full sun
4
Care & Maintenance
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Fertilizer: Use balanced fertilizer early, then higher potassium when flowering
- Support: Stake plants as they grow taller
5
Pest & Disease Control
- Common Pests: Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites
- Diseases: Blossom end rot, bacterial spot
- Solutions: Neem oil, crop rotation, proper spacing
6
Harvesting
- When: Green peppers can be harvested early; others take longer to change color
- Method: Cut with shears to avoid damaging stems
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 2 weeks, freeze for longer storage
Fun Fact: All bell peppers start green and turn yellow, orange, red, or even purple as they ripen!
Pro Tip: The longer they stay on the plant, the sweeter and more nutritious they become.
Bell Pepper Growing Tutorial
Watch how to grow bell peppers successfully in your garden
Global Bell Pepper Dishes
From salads to stews, discover how cultures around the world enjoy bell peppers.
Bell Pepper Recipe Tutorials
Follow along with these videos to master bell pepper cooking techniques.