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The taste of red pepper, also known as bell pepper, red bell pepper, capsicum, or sweet pepper, is somewhat sweet and earthy. These peppers are fully matured green bell peppers, which are more bitter.
The red pepper belongs to the Capsicum annuum family, which contains cultivars such as jalapeno, cayenne pepper, chilli pepper, and a few more spicy peppers. While there are other red peppers, the red bell pepper is the only one that is commonly referred to as "red pepper."
Capsicum annuum is native to Central and South America, and it was likely domesticated some 7,500 years ago in central Mexico. Several variants emerged over time and are being used as cultivars today. Bell peppers were one of those kinds, and they were widely grown before the arrival of the Spanish in the 1400s.
Red peppers, which are now grown all over the world, are still popular because of their sweet flavours, which brighten up a variety of cuisines.
Health Benefits
Red peppers, while technically a fruit, is more commonly found in the vegetable produce area. They're also a good source of A and C vitamins. A half cup of raw red pepper has 47 percent of your daily necessary vitamin A intake and 159 percent of your daily recommended vitamin C intake.
Red peppers also have the following health benefits:
Support for the Immune System
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects cells from harm, improves the immune system's response to microbes, and reduces inflammation. Red peppers are high in vitamin C, however roasting them reduces the amount of vitamin C by up to 25%.
Improve the health of your eyes and skin
Red peppers are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which are beneficial to your overall vision and eye health. Vitamin A also aids in the support of skin cells, the healing of wounds, and the formation of white blood cells.
Nutrition
Several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant substances are abundant in red peppers. Red bell pepper is also the only Capsicum variety with little to no capsaicin, the ingredient that gives it its spiciness.
Red peppers also contain:
- Calcium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Iron
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Beta-carotene
- Vitamin B6
- Folate
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Vitamin K
Nutrients per Serving
Half a cup of fresh, sliced red pepper contains:
- Calories: 23
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 3 milligrams
