Description:
A mild, sweet flavoured, large green capsicum, which is one of the most common varieties of peppers grown. Distinguished from spicy types of peppers with its sweet taste, the capsicum is green when it begins to grow and then, depending on variety, turns red, yellow, orange, purple, white, or brown as it ripens and matures. Most peppers, but not all varieties, are red when fully ripened. Also called "Sweet Pepper", it is a medium sized vegetable which is oblong in shape and hollow inside. The inside contains a few seeds which have to be removed before using.
Capsicum is available in several varieties : red, green, yellow, orange and purple. Ripe red and yellow capsicum have a milder and sweeter flavour than the green ones and are good to use in salads and stir-fries. .
The crunchy, more pungent green ones give flavour to cooked dishes.
Bright, firm, shiny fruits with no trace of dullness or wrinkled patches on the skin indicate good quality capsicum.
How to select:
Their skin should be firm without any wrinkles, and the stem should be fresh and green. They should feel heavy for their size. Avoid capsicum with sunken areas, slashes or black spots
Use:
Capsicum are eaten raw and commonly served fresh as snacks in relishes or salads, adding a fresh taste and a crunchy texture. They are also baked, grilled or sautéed to be used as ingredients for savoury dishes, stir-fried dishes, or main dishes when stuffed with other foods and baked. Roasted capsicum are an excellent way to prepare sweet peppers for sauces, pasta dishes, salads, sandwiches, and savoury foods.
How to store:
Store unwashed capsicum in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week. Green capsicum will stay fresh a little longer than the yellow and red ones. They can be stored for at least a week if placed in a plastic bag and kept in the refrigerator
Health benefits:
Excellent source of: Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
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