Peppers

DESCRIPTION

Bell peppers, Capsicum annuum are a cultivar group of annual or perennial plants in the family Solanaceae grown for their edible fruits. Bell pepper plants are short bushes with woody stems that grow brightly colored fruits. The alternating leaves are elliptical, smooth edged, and come to a distinct point. The plant produces white or purple bell-shaped flowers which are 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter. Bell pepper may be referred to as red pepper, yellow pepper or green pepper and is believed to have originated in Central and South America.

MONTH OF PLANTATION

Bell peppers are warm-season crops and grow best at temperatures between 18 and 30°C (65–86°F). They can be grown in many soil types although sandy soils warm faster in Spring and are good for early planting. The soil should have a pH between 6 and 7. Peppers will not tolerate water saturated soil and should be planted in a well draining soil or raised bed. Peppers should be planted in an area that receives full sun for most of the day. Sowing seeds In most cases, pepper seeds should be started indoors 8–10 weeks before the last Spring frost. Pepper should only be direct seeded in areas with a long, warm growing season, otherwise seeds should be sown indoors in flats or cell trays using a sterile seedling mix. Plant seeds to a depth of 1.3 cm and water lightly.

Transplanting Peppers are usually transplanted 2–3 weeks after the last frost when the soil temperature has reached a minimum of 15.5°C (60°F). Covering soil with dark plastic or mulch a week prior to planting outdoors can help bring the soil temperature up more quickly in colder regions, allowing earlier planting. Beginning approximately 7–10 days before transplanting, plants should be set outside to harden off. The hardening off process is very important as peppers are very susceptible to transplant shock. The planting site should be prepared by incorporating plenty of organic matter to encourage vegetative growth. When transplanting seedlings, allow 30–45 cm between plants and 60–76 cm between rows.

MOON PHASES

Plant by the 2nd quarter moon ( waxing moon).

MONTH OF HARVESTING

Most sweet peppers mature in 60-90 days; hot peppers can take up to 150 days.

NUTRIENTS

Bell peppers are very high in vitamin C, with a single one providing up to 169% of the RDI. Other vitamins and minerals in bell peppers include vitamin K1, vitamin E, vitamin A, folate, and potassium.

A RECIPE

Spanish Fried peppers

Ingredients

Butter

2 onions thinly sliced

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 kg carrot sliced

A bunch of parsley, finely chopped.

Instructions

1 Rinse peppers, then remove stems, seeds, and membranes. Cut in julienne slices . Peel and cut the onion into julienne slices.

2 Pour 4 to 5 Tbsp olive oil into a heavy bottom frying pan and heat on medium. When oil is hot, fry pepper strips, stirring often. When peppers begin to soften, add onion slices and continue to fry. Salt to taste. Remove from pan when onions soften and become translucent. Serve on a platter with rustic bread as a tapa, or to accompany roast meats, fried pork chops or eggs.

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