Peppers: The colourful powerhouse you want to eat every day
10 April 2025
In the Netherlands, that story starts in November, when growers put young pepper plants in the greenhouse. There, they are lovingly cared for: just enough water, the right nutrients and a perfect climate. In January the first flowers appear, and eight to 10 weeks later the first brightly coloured fruits hang from the branches. From March, harvesting begins - and it continues into November. A single plant produces around 75 peppers during that season.
Healthy and packed with vitamins
Peppers are not only beautiful and tasty - they are also incredibly healthy. They are full of fibre and are a natural source of vitamin E, folate (vitamin B11) and vitamin B6. Not to mention the huge amount of vitamin C: two orange snack peppers will give you enough of that for the whole day. Without having to worry about calories. Peppers are light, nutritious and fit perfectly into a healthy lifestyle.
Vegetables with grilled peppers
Main course
10 - 20 minutes
The sweetest pepper? Look at the colour!
You've probably noticed that some peppers taste a lot sweeter than others. There is a logic behind this: the brighter the colour, the sweeter the flavour. And it is the orange pepper that is the sweetest of all - perfect for children (or adults) who are not so fond of bitter vegetables. Pointed peppers and snack peppers are also loved for their extra sweet flavour.
A rainbow of variety
Peppers, of course, come in red, yellow, orange and green - the classics. But did you know that there are also purple, white, striped, black and even chocolate brown peppers? It's as if Mother Nature herself has gone a little wild with her paint box. That variety makes peppers not only beautiful in the kitchen, but also exciting on your plate. Especially if you want to make a colourful salad or vegetable dish.
Rainbow salad of roasted peppers
Side dish
0 - 10 minutes
This is the best way to store peppers
Peppers may be tropical beauties, but they don't like the fridge. It's too cold for them there. Peppers are best kept in a cool place between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius. Then they can ripen quietly and stay fresh for up to a week. If you buy them packaged, they will stay nice even longer.
What can you make with peppers?
The possibilities with sweet peppers are endless. How about stuffed peppers with quinoa, black beans and a bit of cheese, from the oven? Or a warm, creamy sweet pepper soup on a drizzly day. Raw in strips they are delicious with hummus as a snack, and in salads they provide colour and a crunchy bite. With their versatility, bright colours, rich flavour and healthy benefits, peppers have long since ceased to be a side vegetable. They deserve a starring role on your plate.
Stuffed peppers with curry rice
Main course
20 - 30 minutes
So next time you walk past the vegetable shelf, feel free to grab a few extra peppers. You now know why.