Bell peppers, also known as sweet peppers, are a highly nutritious food loved worldwide. Nowadays, bell peppers are widely cultivated, with a variety of shapes and types available. So, what is the proper cultivation process and care method to achieve high yields and excellent quality?
Introduction to Bell Peppers
Bell peppers originate from Mexico, Northern South America, and Central America. However, with their delicious taste and unique appearance, they have gradually been cultivated worldwide.
Unlike other chili varieties, bell peppers are not spicy but have a sweet, fragrant taste, which is why they are also known as sweet peppers.
Living Characteristics of Bell Peppers
Bell peppers grow as shrubs and can thrive year-round. The fruits are relatively large, with a diameter of about 2–3.2 inches at harvest. Their unique shape resembles a bell.
The most common bell peppers are green, red, yellow, and orange. Less common varieties include dark purple, pale yellow, brown, and white, depending on the type. Green bell peppers are less sweet, slightly bitter, and less nutritious than yellow or orange varieties. Red bell peppers are the sweetest. However, the taste of bell peppers can vary depending on cultivation conditions and post-harvest storage.
Varieties of Bell Peppers (Sweet Peppers)
Bomby – Red Bell Pepper
This is an early-maturing variety with strong, healthy growth and good branching. It requires suitable soil for optimal growth, with fruit weighing 130–150 grams each. The Bomby variety is ideal for long-distance transportation due to its extended shelf life.
Oro Belle – Yellow Bell Pepper
The yellow bell pepper variety is disease-resistant and can be grown in greenhouses or open fields. The fruit turns yellow when ripe.
Indra – Green Bell Pepper
The Indra green bell pepper variety has an average fruit weight of 170 grams. Fruits begin developing 50–55 days after planting. The fruit is deep green, and the plants have dense foliage. This variety is suitable for long-distance transportation due to its long shelf life.
Uses of Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are highly favored not only for their delicious and aromatic taste or their unique appearance but also for their numerous benefits.
Rich in Nutritional Value
Bell peppers are packed with nutrients and are a popular choice among home cooks. According to research, they are rich in vitamins A, C, E, B6, and other essential nutrients.
Beauty Benefits
Eating bell peppers regularly can improve skin health, making it smoother and more radiant. Interestingly, despite being nutrient-dense, bell peppers are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for effective weight loss.
Medical Benefits
Thanks to their nutrient composition, bell peppers have several medicinal benefits. They can stimulate digestive secretions, helping prevent digestive disorders. Additionally, bell peppers are believed to help prevent certain types of cancer, especially prostate cancer in men.
