Red peppers are also called bell pepper, red bell pepper, capsicum, or sweet pepper. They have a mild, sweet yet earthy taste. These peppers are fully mature versions of the more bitter green bell peppers.

Red Bell PepperThe red pepper is a variety of Capsicum annuum, a family that also includes jalapeño, cayenne pepper, chili pepper, and a few other hot peppers.

Capsicum annuum is native to Central and South America, and it likely began its domestication in central Mexico about 7,500 years ago. Over time, several varieties took shape and continue today as cultivars. Bell peppers were one of those varieties and were actively cultivated before Spanish exploration in the 1400s.

Red peppers, now grown worldwide, remain popular because they have a sweet flavor that adds interest to many dishes.

Health Benefits

Technically a fruit, red peppers are more common as a staple in the vegetable produce section. They’re also an excellent source of vitamins A and C. Each half-cup of raw red pepper provides you with 47 percent of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A and 159 percent of your vitamin C.

Some other health benefits of red peppers include:

Immune System Support

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that fights cell damage, boosts immune system response to microbes, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Improve Eye and Skin Health

The vitamin A and beta-carotene in red peppers support your overall vision and eye health. Vitamin A is also helpful in supporting skin cells, healing wounds and boosting white blood cell growth.

Nutrition

Red peppers are a rich source of several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds. Interestingly, red bell pepper is also the only Capsicum variety that contains little to no capsaicin—the compound responsible for spiciness.

 

If they’re not already part of your diet, add red peppers to your menus.  Serve this Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Sauce over pasta, chicken, fish or veggies and enjoy!

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Sauce

Delicious with spiralized zucchini or other vegetables.
Course Sauces
Servings 4 cups

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 medium red bell peppers chopped to ½” pieces
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 large clove garlic grated

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Toss the tomatoes and peppers with oil on the baking sheet and spread in a single layer. Roast until the tomatoes are soft and juicy and the peppers are tender, 20-25 minutes.
  • Top with the garlic. Using the back of a spoon or spatula, gently mash the vegetables so the tomatoes release their juices. If you like a smoother sauce, place everything in a blender or food processor and blend to desired consistency.
Keyword Anti-Inflammatory, Sauce

 

Want free anti-inflammatory recipes, downloadable resources and efficiency tips and tricks from a professional chef?  Of course, you do!  Click here for the secret sauce! 

 

 

Get The Official Anti-Inflammatory Foods List Here