February 22: Planting squash in Florida!
Green Peppers
Bell peppers are fruits. Thanks to Christopher Columbus, the name comes from the unrelated plant which produces peppercorns. A recessive gene guarantees they don’t have any capsaicin, the compound that makes other peppers hot.
Selection
Choose peppers that have firm, unwrinkled skins, the freshest peppers are somewhat firm, with smooth glossy skin.
Storage
Store in a ventilated bag in the crisper section of your refrigerator.
Preparation
Wash thoroughly and peel if desired. Roast whole peppers in a single layer of a roasting pan after brushing with oil. Roast at 425 for 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove after flesh is softened and skin is burnt looking.
Recipes
Mexican Stuffed Peppers
- Cut the top ½” off 4 green peppers, discard seeds and stems.
- Steam whole pepper sin 1” of boiling water until tender about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove from water and set aside.
- Saute ½ medium onion and 2 cloves garlic in 1-2T oil in a medium saucepan.
- Add 2C chopped tomatoes, 1 finely-chopped jalepeno pepper, 2T minced parsley, 1 t dried oregano, 1 t ground cumin, ½ t salt and one bay leaf and cook 5-7 minutes over medium heat.
- Add 2 cups corn, and 15oz drained, rinsed and heated black beans.
- Stir to combine and heat through (approx. 10 minutes) stuff peppers with mixture, place upright
in baking dish and top with grated parmesan cheese. - Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until heated through.
