Chopped Green Bell Pepper

Chopped green bell pepper is the common name for the unripe fruit of the Capsicum annuum plant, a cultivar of the pepper species. It is typically harvested before it ripens to its mature color (usually red, yellow, or orange). The peppers are washed, stems and seeds are removed, and then they are chopped or diced.

Manufacturers add chopped green bell peppers to provide a fresh, slightly bitter flavor and a crisp texture to savory dishes. They are commonly found in processed meats like sausages and hot dogs, frozen poultry products, and rice dishes, adding visual appeal and a vegetable component.

Green bell peppers are a source of vitamins and antioxidants. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers bell peppers to be Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) when used as food. International bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated many food ingredients, but specific evaluations for chopped green bell peppers as a distinct ingredient are not typically highlighted. No significant health controversies are associated with the consumption of green bell peppers at typical dietary levels.