Red And Green Bell Pepper

Bell peppers are the edible fruits of plants in the *Capsicum annuum* species. They are native to the Americas and are grown worldwide. Bell peppers are harvested when mature and can be red, green, yellow, or orange, depending on the variety and ripeness.

Bell peppers are used as a vegetable in cooking, adding flavor, color, and texture to dishes. Manufacturers include them in seasoning mixes, prepared meals, and snacks. They are valued for their sweet flavor and crisp texture when fresh, and their softened texture and concentrated flavor when cooked.

Bell peppers are a source of vitamins and antioxidants. They are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated bell peppers as food and have not raised safety concerns at typical consumption levels. No specific health claims are associated with their use as a food ingredient beyond general nutritional benefits.