The New Complete Book of Food

(Kiana) #1


Vitamin A and Vitamin C Content of Peppers


Pepper Serving Vitamin A (IU) Vitamin C (mg)
Bell pepper (green, raw) 1 medium 440 95
Bell pepper (red, raw) 1 medium 3,726 152
Hot green chili (canned) ½ cup 88 23.8
Hot red chili (canned) ½ cup 8.87 46.2
Jalapeño (canned) ½ cup 1,156 6.8
Chili powder 1 teaspoon 771 2

Source: USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory. National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.
Available online. UR L: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/.

The Most Nutritious Way to Serve This Food


Bell peppers: Fresh sliced or chopped on a salad.


Hot peppers: Seeded, in a soup or stew.


Diets That May Restrict or Exclude This Food


Antiflatulence diet
Bland diet


Buying This Food


Look for: Firm peppers that feel thick and fleshy. Their skin should be brightly colored
green, red, yellow, or purple.


Avoid: Dull-colored peppers; they may be immature. If the skin is wrinkled, the peppers
have lost moisture; soft spots suggest decay inside.


Storing This Food


Refrigerate fresh peppers in the vegetable crisper to preserve their moisture and vitamin C.


Preparing This Food


Sweet bell peppers. Wash the peppers under cold running water, slice, and remove the seeds
and membranes (which are irritating). If you plan to cook the peppers, peel them; the skin


Peppers
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