Also Known as
Yellow bell pepper
What is yellow capsicum, yellow bell pepper, yellow shimla mirch?
Yellow capsicums achieve their wonderful colour simply because they are left on the plant longer before picking. They are glossy and smooth-skinned. Yellow capsicums are 3 to 4 lobed fruits of the capsicum annum species. They are milder in taste than green capsicum, and so are known as sweet peppers. Orange or yellow bell peppers are more mature than green bell peppers, and are harvested before they fully mature and turn red. Although capsicums are available throughout the year, they are most abundant and tasty during the summer and early spring months. They have a slightly fruity taste and are rich in Vitamins A & C, and Beta Carotene.
Chopped yellow capsicum
To chop the yellow capsicum, place a yellow 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.
Diagonally cut yellow capsicum
Clean and place the yellow capsicum on a chopping board. Cut the yellow capsicum into halves vertically and discard the seeds and white part from inside. Place the halves on a chopping board and cut them into thick strips and then start cutting them diagonally using a sharp knife. You can cut the capsicum into small or bigger diagonal pieces, as per the recipe requirement and use accordingly. These diagonally cut capsicum are great to garnish foods and make good toppings as well. Also these are frequently used in Chinese cooking.
Grilled yellow capsicum
Whole yellow capsicum can be greased with oil and then grilled on an open flame till the skin turns black from all the sides. They can also be cut into wedges and then grilled. Grilled capsicum then can be used in salads, soups and many variety of dishes.
Sliced yellow capsicum
Cut the yellow 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.
Yellow capsicum cubes
For cutting the yellow 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.
Yellow capsicum rings
Begin by cutting a circle around the stem of the yellow pepper. Carefully pull out the stem and ribs. Remove the remaining ribs by scraping with a spoon. Wash the pepper in cold running water to remove any remaining seeds. Cut it into thin or thick rings with a sharp knife. The pepper rings is a good decorative garnish.
Yellow capsicum strips
Yellow capsicum strips can be easily cut by following a simple method. Cut the 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.
How to select yellow capsicum, yellow bell pepper, yellow shimla mirch
Choose the capsicum which have bright yellow colour, firm skin free of soft spots, blemishes and darkened areas. Their stems should be green and fresh looking. Yellow capsicum should be heavy for their size and firm enough so that they will gently yield to slight pressure.
Culinary Uses of yellow capsicum, yellow bell pepper, yellow shimla mirch
• Yellow capsicum can be used raw in salads, marinated and tossed into pasta, cooked and served with rice delicacies.
• They are frequently used in stir-fries or other mixed dishes. They can be sliced into strips and fried, roasted whole or in pieces, or chopped and incorporated into salsas or other sauces. Strips of yellow pepper can be grilled along with other coloured pepper and vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, onions and tomatoes and served as a vegetable platter.
• Because of the hollow shape, sweet peppers are perfect for stuffing.
• The rich colouring of capsicum not only enhances the visual appeal of foods, but it can also be used as a major flavoring.
How to store yellow capsicum, yellow bell pepper, yellow shimla mirch
Fresh yellow capsicums 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 yellow capsicum, yellow bell pepper, yellow shimla mirch
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• Like all capsicums, yellow capsicums are a good source of vitamins A and C and provide dietary fibre, which powers up your immune system and keeps skin youthful.
• Bell peppers are low in calories and so eating even a full cup has only 45 calories and with a bonus that more than your daily quota of Vitamin A and C are met.
• Yellow capsicums also contain vitamin B6, which is essential for the health of the nervous system and helps renew cells.
• Certain enzymes in this capsicum, such as lutein, protect the eyes from cataracts and macular degeneration later in life.
• Capsaicin present in yellow capsicum is beneficial in Arthritis - it works by first stimulating and then decreasing the intensity of pain signals in the body.
• Capsaicin acts as an antioxidant, protecting the cells of the body from damage by harmful molecules called free radicals.