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Capsicum

Also Known As : Sweet Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chili Pepper, Christmas Pepper, Red Pepper, Ornamental Chili Pepper
Technical Name : Capsicum annuum
MySmartKitchenTM 3

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

Green and purple capsicums are more pungent and taste slightly bitter while the red, orange and yellow ones are mild flavored, sweeter, and pleasant to taste.

Usage Tips

  1. Finely chopped bell peppers can be added to salads and casseroles.
  2. Store capsicums in the crisper section of your fridge and use it within 5 days.
  3. Before using, the seeds and white fibrous membrane should be removed.
  4. It can be used to season black bean, avocados, pickles, chilli, mustard, curries, and cheese.
  5. When handling chili peppers, avoid contact with the eyes.

Common names and forms

  1. Bell Pepper
  2. Capsicum red
  3. Capsicum yellow
  4. Chopped Bell Pepper
  5. Chopped capsicum
  6. Green Bell Pepper
  7. Green Capsicum
  8. Green Pepper
  9. Green Peppers
  10. Oleoresin Capsicum
  11. Organic Red Pepper
  12. Piment Vert
  13. Red Bell Pepper
  14. Red Capsicum
  15. Red Pepper
  16. Red yellow bell peppers
  17. Simla Chili
  18. Vegetable Red and Green capsicum
  19. Yellow Bell Pepper
  20. Yellow Capsicum
  21. Yellow Pepper

Tags

Description

Capsicum is a type of vegetable that is shaped like a bell and has four lobes. These are closely related to hot chilies but are larger and sweeter. It belongs to the nightshade family that is native to the Americas, where it was cultivated for thousands of years but is now grown world over. It was discovered by Christopher Columbus in America in the 16th century. He called capsicums peppers because of its fiery flavor. Capsicums come in a variety of colors like green, red, yellow, purple and orange. Green capsicum is harvested before they are fully ripe and then it continues to initially turn yellow and then red if left on the plant to mature further. Yellow capsicums are more mature than green ones and are usually used in the grilled and roasted forms. Orange capsicums are a little less flavourful and are served best in the form of salad or as toppings. Red capsicums are the most mature ones with bright colors and sweet fruity taste.

Health benefits

  • The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of capsicum make it effective in fighting food poisoning and various yeast and fungal infections, like ring-worm, shingles, athlete’s foot, etc. (1)
  • The rich vitamin C content of capsicum makes it beneficial in many ways. It stimulates white blood cells to fight infection and boosts the immune system. It also helps to heal, repair and build the lining of the mucous membranes to prevent nose bleeds. (1)
  • Lycopene, a phytonutrient present in red capsicum is good for heart health. It is also a rich source of folate and vitamin B6, which lowers homocysteine levels, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease. (2)
  • Being a rich source of vitamin C, helps in absorption of iron. It fulfills the iron requirements and prevents the onset of iron deficiency. (2)
  • The carotenoid lycopene present in the bell pepper is also effective in lowering the risk of cervix, prostate, pancreas and bladder cancer. The enzymes in capsicum help in the prevention of esophageal and gastric cancer as well.(2)

Selection Guide

When choosing capsicums you should select ones with the firm, glossy skins. Avoid those with shriveled skins, soft spots or other visible damage.

Note

It is advisable for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers to keep their regular consumption of capsicum to a bare minimum as it can lead to diarrhea, heartburn and upset stomach. (3)

Resource & Links

(1) http://www.kalashseedsonline.com/vegetable-health-tips/health-benefits-of-capsicum.html

(2) https://www.india.com/lifestyle/health-benefits-of-capsicum-7-amazing-benefits-of-capsicum-2394444/

(3) https://www.lybrate.com/topic/benefits-of-capsicum-and-its-side-effects

- Disclaimer
"Information here is provided for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or product or ingredient review/rating. The information may not apply to you and before you use or take any action, you should contact the manufacturer, seller, medical, dietary, fitness or other professional. If you utilize any information provided here, you do so at your own risk and you waive any right against Culinary Communications Private Limited, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees or representatives.”