What is coloured capsicum, coloured bell pepper?

Coloured capsicum that are usually availabe in the market are red, green and yellow, but orange coloured capsicum are also seen at time. Most capsicum start with green and change colour as they ripen or mature. The shelf life of green capsicum is always more than the other 2 coloured capsicum. By taste, the red capsicum is sweet as compared to the green variety, with yellow having a mild sweetness.

How to select coloured capsicum, coloured bell pepper

Choose peppers that have deep vivid colors, taut skin, and that are free of soft spots, blemishes and darkened areas. Their stems should be green and fresh looking. Peppers should be heavy for their size and firm enough so that they will gently yield to slight pressure. Avoid those that have signs of decay including injuries to the skin or water-soaked areas.

Culinary Uses of coloured capsicum, coloured bell pepper in Indian Cooking

How to store coloured capsicum, coloured bell pepper

Fresh peppers are best stored in a refrigerator. They can be wrapped in plastic bag and will stay crisp and firm for a week.

Health benefits of coloured capsicum, coloured bell pepper

Rich in vitamin C, capsicum protect and maintain the lining of the heart. Low glycemic index (40) colourful capsicum are immune boosters. Colourful capsicums are not only visually appealing but also good for your eyes too, as they contain antioxidant Lutein, which protects the eye from cataracts and degeneration of the eye. Capsicum is high in Folate or folic acid, which is important for rapid growth and multiplication of red blood cells and white blood cells in the bone marrow. See detailed benefits of capsicum.

Glycemic Index of Capsicum, Peppers Capsicum has a Glycemic Index of 15 which is low. Glycemic Index are for foods you eat, ranks carbohydrate-containing foods by how quickly they digest and raise your blood sugar or glucose levels. Foods rank from 0 to 50 are low GI, 51 to 69 are medium and 70 to 100 are high. Foods that are high in GI are not suitable for weight loss and diabetics. Foods like Capsicum have a low GI and hence dont spike your glucose level as they are absorbed slowly. Great for weight loss and diabetics.

coloured capsicum cubes

For cutting the green capsicum into cubes, first cut the capsicum lengthwise into 4 wedges, remove the stem, ribs and seeds and then with the help of a utility knife, remove any remaining rib. To create squares, slice each of the four sections in half vertically. Cut horizontally across each section to cut big or small cubes of desired size. Repeat the same with red and yellow capsicum to get cubes.

chopped coloured capsicum

To chop the capsicum, place a capsicum on a chopping board. Cut the capsicum into half and remove the stem, white pith and seeds using a sharp knife and discard them. Using a sharp knife chop each halve into more long vertical thin or thick strips as per the recipe requirement. Chop each strip horizontally into small or big pieces as required. Repeat the same with red and yellow capsicum and chop them.

coloured capsicum juliennes

Clean the capsicum. Cut the capsicum into 2 vertical halves and remove and discard the stem, seeds and white pith with help of a sharp knife. Place one half on a chopping board and using a sharp knife, slice one half of the capsicum into approximately 1/8 inch thick slices. Stack the 1/8 inch slices and again, cut lengthwise at approximately 1/8-inch to form the julienne capsicum strips. Repeat the same with another half part. Use as required. Repeat the same with red and yellow capsicum to make juliennes.

coloured capsicum strips

Capsicum strips can be easily cut by following a simple method. Cut the green capsicum into 2 halves vertically and remove the stem, seeds and the white pith of the capsicum. Make long vertical cuts using a sharp knife and you will get thin or thick strips as per the recipe requirement. These strips are used to garnish salads, dips, soups etc. and also can be added to stir-fries and other such dishes. Repeat the same with red and yellow capsicum to get strips.

sliced coloured capsicum

Cut the green capsicum into 2 halves vertically and remove the stem, seeds and the white pith of the capsicum. Make long vertical cuts using a sharp knife and you will get thin or thick slices as per the recipe requirement. Repeat the same with red and yellow capsicum to make slices.

finely chopped coloured capsicum

Finely chopped coloured capsicum (bell peppers) adds a vibrant splash of color, a crisp texture, and a subtly sweet flavor to a variety of Indian recipes. Their versatility makes them a welcome addition to both traditional and contemporary dishes.

Color and Flavor:

Visual Appeal: The vibrant hues of red, yellow, and green capsicum enhance the visual appeal of dishes, making them more enticing.
Sweetness: Unlike green chilies, capsicum offers a mild, sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness, providing a pleasant contrast to the spiciness of many Indian dishes.
Texture: Finely chopped capsicum adds a satisfying crunch to dishes, enhancing their textural complexity.

Usage in Indian Cooking:

Stir-fries and Vegetable Curries: Capsicum is a common ingredient in stir-fries and vegetable curries, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
Stuffings: Finely chopped capsicum is often used in stuffings for dishes like stuffed bell peppers (Bharwa Shimla Mirch) or samosas.
Rice Dishes: It can be incorporated into pulaos and biryanis, adding a touch of sweetness and color.
Noodle Dishes: In Indo-Chinese cuisine, finely chopped capsicum is a staple in dishes like vegetable Hakka noodles.
Salads and Raitas: It can be added to salads and raitas for a refreshing crunch.
Garnishes: A small amount of finely chopped coloured capsicum can be used as a colorful garnish for various dishes.