Pepper
The annual pepper is a vegetable that is low in calories and extremely rich in vitamin C. Depending on the variety, it can be red, yellow, orange or even black. Green pepper is not a separate variety, but simply an immature form of this vegetable.
Check out the seasonal pattern in Poland
Pepper came to Europe shortly after the conquest of Central and South America, where it originally comes from. Initially, Europeans knew it only in the form of dried, very hot spices.
Pepper is related to chili peppers, tomatoes, aubergine and even potatoes. Today, the annual pepper is one of the most popular vegetables grown on all continents. What makes it so popular?
SWEET PEPPER
Sweet pepper is the only one that is mild in taste because it does not contain capsaicin. This substance is responsible for the hot, burning aftertaste. The more capsaicin there is, the hotter the variety is. It comes in three colours: red, green and yellow.
Jalapeño
It is a small, very hot, usually green pepper. Its characteristic sourish aftertaste and distinct spiciness make it an excellent addition to sauces, poultry, cheese, soups or preserves, e.g. vegetable pickles.
Habanero
It is one of the spiciest pepper species. The fruit is small and orange or reddish. It is occasionally eaten raw and used as a seasoning for sauces, stews, dishes in Mexican cuisine or to enrich desserts.
SNACK PEPPER
These are extremely sweet, crunchy and aromatic small peppers such as Sweet Bite or pimientos de Padrón. Varieties produced in Poland have a mild taste. They are delicious, fried as an addition to salads and ideal for a healthy snack.
CAYENNE PAPRIKA
Cayenne paprika is also known as cayenne pepper. It is a small, very hot pepper available in shops mostly in a dried and powdered form. Due to its spicy taste, it is added to meat dishes, pasta, casseroles or even chocolate!
Nutritional values per 100g of red pepper:
ENERGY VALUE
PROTEIN
FATS
CARBOHYDRATES
VITAMIN C
BETA-CAROTENE
Red pepper is a good source of iron, but it is also rich in vitamin C. This vitamin increases the absorption of iron. Therefore, people who want to counteract anaemia should eat peppers along with products rich in iron, such as meats, fish, eggs and offal.
Pepper is low in calories, which is why it is a good choice for those who want to lose weight. Hot pepper suppresses the feeling of hunger. Its warming effect will temporarily stimulate the rate of the metabolism.
Carotenoids contained in large amounts in peppers, can improve eye health. This is particularly important for older people who are more prone to eye problems. Regular consumption of peppers can delay the progression of eye degeneration.
The antioxidants contained in pepper fruits have an anti-inflammatory effect. This is important in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. These substances are mainly carotenoids, which can protect the heart as well as prevent the development of certain types of cancer.
South Mazovia is the largest pepper region in Central and Eastern Europe. It is estimated that the region, which includes the municipalities of Przytyk, Potworów, Klwów, Radzanów, Stara Błotnica, Rusinów and Wyśmierzyce, accounts for around 90 % of the country's production of this vegetable. These areas, called the "pepper basin", are characterised by a unique microclimate, ideal for growing thermophilic vegetables.
