FOOD FACTS

Buying and Storing

Look for those that are smooth, firm and plump with thick shiny skins free of cracks or soft spots.

Although red peppers start out as green while on the plant, they don't change colour after picking. So if you want them red, buy them red.

They'll keep for about one week in a refrigerator crisper. (Storage in too cold or too warm conditions will damage them).

Preparing and Cooking

Rinse in cold water, core, seed and cut up.

A versatile vegetable, they can be stir-fried, baked, grilled, stewed or eaten raw.

You can stuff them with rice and herbs or chopped mixed vegetables and bake. Or simmer them with tomatoes, onions and eggplant to make vegetable stews.

Finely chopped, they make a tasty pizza garnish or omelette filling. Grill them, skinned and marinated in olive oil, for a delicious first course.