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Sweet pepper

Peppers, sweet and crunchy!

Peppers, who doesn't love them? That fresh crunch, the sweet flavour... 
Whether you’re whipping up a wholesome, warming, creamy sweet pepper soup, creating a stuffed pepper masterpiece, or grilling them on the bbq on a hot summer’s day – sweet peppers are always a hit. Plus, if you ever have any left over (unlikely, we know), they can be sliced and frozen to use in dishes later, reducing waste, which we love!

Find out here how to make the most of these colourful vitamin bombs!

paprika

Sweet pepper recipes

In almost every country you will find a delicious dish in which peppers play the leading role. From Muhammara, the Middle Eastern sweet pepper dip with walnuts to sweet pepper soup and goulash from Hungary. Not forgetting about the stuffed sweet pepper - an absolute classic from the Balkans that has now become a popular dish here in the UK, particularly during the summer months.

Pepper shapes and sizes

We all know green, red, yellow and orange peppers - but did you know that there are even purple peppers? And what's even more special: all those colours can grow on the same plant. Green peppers are actually young, unripe peppers. They are picked early and therefore have a slightly bitter, fresher, grassy flavour. If you leave them to ripen on the plant, they turn into yellow, orange and red peppers - these are sweeter because they are fully ripe.

Peppers don't just come in the familiar ‘blocky’ form, sweet pointed peppers have become more popular recently. Ideal for filling lengthwise, perfect for roasting in the oven and often even sweeter than their blocky counterparts. And then, of course, there are snack peppers! Small, crunchy, almost seedless and super easy to eat on-the-go. Whether you want big or small, sweet or crunchy – there’s a pepper for every occasion!

Preparing sweet peppers

Roasted sweet pepper, peeling sweet pepper

Roasted sweet pepper from the oven is a delicious way to enhance the natural flavours. The pepper develops a more intense flavour and is a delicious way to prepare them for making soups or sauces. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and place the peppers on a baking tray. Roast them for about 20-30 minutes, until the skin is blackened. Let them cool then simply peel off the skin and remove the seeds.

roasting pepper

Stir-fry sweet pepper

You can cut peppers into strips or cubes. Heat olive oil in the wok, fry the peppers for about 4-5 minutes so they maintain their bite.

stir fry pepper

Delicious
recipes
with sweet pepper

Cherry Tomato and Mini Sweet Pepper Green Salad with Tahini Sauce and Dukkah
Cook time
15 minutes
Vietnamese Sweet Pepper Salad
Cook time
15 minutes
Salad of roasted sweet peppers & prawns
Cook time
20 minutes
West African peanut stew (Maafe)
Cook time
35 minutes
Spinach and sweet potato salad
Cook time
30 minutes
Couscous salad with green peas, capsicum, orange and mint
Cook time
20 minutes
couscous salad with avocado and bell pepper
Cook time
20 minutes

Know your veg

Buying and storing Freezing Flavour pairings Hacks and tips Pepper in Season

Buying and storing peppers

When you are selecting peppers to buy, choose the ones that are shiny. They should have a firm, smooth skin without soft spots or dents.

Peppers are often kept in the fridge in the UK, but they can also be stored in a cool, dry place. They should stay fresh for up to one week. A cut sweet pepper quickly loses its freshness. It is best to keep them in a container in the fridge or preferably to eat them the same day.

Freezing peppers

To freeze peppers for later use, cut them into strips, put them in a container or bag, and place into the freezer. When you are ready to use them, don’t let them defrost first. Throw them directly into the pan, frozen - this way, they stay nice and crisp and full of flavour. Defrosting beforehand can cause them to go a little mushy.

smaakcombinaties met paprika

Best flavour pairings with peppers

  • Vegetables: aubergine, tomatoes, courgette, chilli peppers
  • Nuts, seeds, kernels: walnuts, almonds
  • Herbs and spices: garlic, parsley, thyme
  • Fruits: olives
  • Dairy: soft cheeses 
  • Meat and fish: chicken, beef, seafood
  • Other: balsamic vinegar, (scrambled) egg
Paprika tip 4

sweet pepper hacks

  • Did you know that some peppers have three lobes (curves) and others have four? Peppers with four lobes are ideal for stuffing - they stay upright in the baking dish better. Those with three lobes? Perfect for other preparations, such as stir-frying or grilling, because they are easier to cut.

 

  • Did you know that red peppers cannot simply be substituted for green ones? Green peppers have a slightly bitter flavour while red peppers are sweeter. So if a recipe needs the sweetness of red peppers, it is best to stick to this colour or, in a pinch, you could use yellow or orange as they also deliver a sweet flavour.
paprika seizoen

When are peppers in season?

UK peppers are available throughout the year, but the peak harvest period is from June to September.

FAQ
sweet
pepper

Peppers come in different colours, depending on their ripeness. Green peppers are the least ripe and have a mild, slightly bitter flavour. As they ripen, they turn into yellow, orange, or red peppers, which have a sweeter flavour.
There are also differences in nutrients between the different colours of peppers. Red peppers are the most nutritious as they are high in vitamin C and rich in the antioxidants beta-carotene and lycopene, more so than the green, orange and yellow varieties.
 

Vitamin C works in your body as an antioxidant. It also helps build connective tissue, absorb iron and strengthen your immunity.
Red peppers contain the most vitamin C - twice as much as green ones! One red pepper contains no less than 204 mg of vitamin C, while the recommended daily allowance for adults is 75 mg. So with just one red pepper, you're already well over your daily requirement!

Peppers are a good source of vitamin C, which helps build connective tissue, absorb iron and strengthen your immunity. The red variety is especially rich in vitamin C. In addition, peppers contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for good vision, healthy skin and a strong immune system. Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant in (red) peppers, protects your body from free radical damage and is associated with a lower risk of cancer and better heart health. The fibre in peppers promotes healthy digestion and smooth bowel movements.