Green bell peppers are among the favorite additions to many dishes. Do you plan to plant green bell peppers in your backyard? This post is for you.
In my experience in growing green bell peppers, I pick them once they are fully grown in size. With this, I can enjoy its sweeter taste. Green bell peppers are less sweet but with a more vegetal and earthy flavor.
Read more to know when to pick green bell peppers.
When is the best time to pick green bell peppers?
You can harvest green bell peppers if they are already big enough to consume. If you want sweeter green bell peppers, you can let them remain on the vine for a few days. The fruit can grow around 4 inches in height and 3 inches in diameter and has a round to blocky form. Most green bell peppers are ready for harvest within 60 to 80 days of planting.
Make sure to pick green bell peppers at the right time. If you want the best taste of your peppers, don’t harvest them too early. Thus, if the peppers are underdeveloped, they have a dark green shade and are extremely bitter. So, it can be unpleasant to consume.
Ripe green bell pepper is smooth and has a firm feel and shiny tinge. Check your peppers more often to know if they are already mature.
Can you harvest immature green bell peppers?
It is possible to pick immature green bell peppers. It can make the plant produce lots of flowers, which also means more bell peppers. Inexperienced peppers are not as sweet as fully mature ones, but they are still safe to eat.
Remember that immature green bell peppers’ seeds are not fully developed, so you shouldn’t save them for replanting.
How to store your harvested green bell peppers?
You can store your freshly harvested green bell peppers in your refrigerator crisper drawer for about 7 to 10 days. It is best to keep them unwashed and whole in a mesh bag. It can encourage proper airflow. On the other hand, if you use a plastic bag, make sure it comes with holes because sealed containers may lead to spoiling.
How to identify a healthy green bell pepper?
You can eat green peppers at any stage, but you can allow them to stay longer on the plant for a sweet taste. You always want to have healthy peppers, right? So, you should know how to determine whether it’s healthy.
Keep in mind that healthy ones have sturdy walls and are around 0.2 to 0.4 inches thick. Additionally, it should be hollow and has a cluster of seeds in its middle.
How to pick green bell peppers?
If the peppers are ripe and ready to be picked, you can harvest them. But, you should be careful in harvesting your peppers. So you can avoid damaging the plant. You can use sharp shears or scissors to cut them off at the stem.
I suggest you harvest during the morning but before the sun’s brightest. It is the best time that the peppers are juiciest and crispiest.
Can green peppers continue to ripen after harvesting?
The ripening process will continue after you pick your green bell peppers. You can keep them in a small container at room temperature. It will fully ripen after one or two weeks.
What can you do with your fresh green bell peppers?
After picking your fresh green bell peppers, there are many things you can do with them. You can make it a delicious snack with its mild, sweet flavor. You can even dip them in hummus.
Create stuffed peppers with meat, rice, and other veggies. You can roast it in your oven for a healthy lunch. Green bell peppers are also delicious in stir-fries and fajitas.
You don’t need to wash the green bell peppers after picking them. You can wipe off dirt, and they’re ready to consume. It is also a good idea to save your seeds since they can be used for growing new plants.
How to freeze your green bell peppers?
In freezing green bell peppers, you can follow the steps below.
1. Wash the green bell peppers.
2. Slice the peppers in half, and remove the membrane and stems. Then, cut into strips the remainder of your green peppers.
3. Prepare the chopped bell peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in your freezer for an hour.
4. Place the frozen peppers in your freezer bag. Before sealing your bag, remove as much air as possible.
5. You can get frozen green bell pepper slices if you use them. Then, you can reseal the bag and return it to the freezer.
Growing conditions of green bell peppers
Remember that your peppers will not set fruit if the temperature is below 55 degrees. When the temperature drops to freezing or is infested with pests, you should harvest them.
Remove the leaves or fruit infested with insects to avoid pests spreading to other plants. You should also remember that bell peppers belong to the nightshade family, including eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes. You should not grow your peppers in similar soil or other nightshade plants.
How to identify spoiled green bell pepper?
You should know how to identify green bell peppers to get the healthiest ones. Spoiled or rotten green bell pepper can contain bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.
The good news, it is easy to spot a spoiled green bell pepper. The green bell pepper can be rotten or spoiled if they are soft and come with slimy residue outside or inside the fruit. If you’re not sure about the health of your green pepper, you can throw them out.
If you see such signs, you’ve got spoiled green bell pepper. Other signs also include black or white mold growth, wrinkly skin, and spots on the skin. If your pepper comes with wrinkled skin, it is safe to consume as long as they’re cooked.
What are the benefits of green bell peppers?
Aside from being a perfect addition to your dishes, green bell peppers also have many benefits. These include the following.
High source of nutrients
Green bell peppers contain minerals and vitamins. It is also a good source of fiber and is low in carbs. It contains vitamins K, C, B6, A, and potassium.
Promotes eye and heart health
Adding green bell peppers to your diet can help promote eye and heart health. It contains lutein which reduces the risk of AMD or age-related macular degeneration.
It comes with health-benefiting plant compounds
The green pepper also contains plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains vitamin C, flavonoid, carotenoid, and phenolic compounds with health-promoting effects.
Promotes gut health
Green bell peppers contain fiber which is good for gut health.
Helps to keep healthy body weight
Consuming green peppers can help you keep healthy body weight. Peppers are high in fiber, have low calories, and contain essential body nutrients.
Tasty and versatile
Aside from being nutritious, green bell pepper is tasty and versatile. You can consume it cooked or raw.
So, I advise you to add green bell peppers to your diet.
