Bell Peppers are a great source of vitamins A and C.  They make a colorful addition to any meal.

Varieties
Bell peppers can be found in a rainbow of colors and can vary in flavor.  The variety of the pepper plant and the stage of the ripeness determine the flavor and color of each pepper.  For example, a red bell pepper is simply a mature green bell pepper.  As a bell pepper ages, its flavor becomes sweeter and milder.  Red bell peppers contain eleven times more beta carotene than green bell peppers.

Selection
Bell peppers are available and are in good supply all year, but are more plentiful and less expensive during the summer months.  Fresh peppers come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, but when selecting them, they all follow the same guidelines.  Their skin should be firm without any wrinkles, and the stem should be fresh and green.  They should feel heavy for their size.  Avoid peppers with sunken areas, slashes or black spots.

Storage
Store unwashed bell peppers in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.  They will stay fresh for about a week.  Green bell peppers will stay fresh a little longer than yellow or red ones.

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