Paprika has become an indispensable part of Dutch cuisine, or in fact it is indispensable in any kitchen. Paprika can be processed in different ways and has a fresh taste. One is a bit sweeter than the other. But we don’t just take them for the delicious taste, we also include them in our dishes because they are a source of vitamins. But how healthy is pepper actually?
The origin of peppers?
The pepper is a fruit… or actually a fruit vegetable as we call it. While many people see it as a real vegetable. The pepper comes from Central America. Hungary is the basis for the fruit (introduced by the Turks) as it further conquered Europe. The fruit, which also owes its name to the Hungarians, comes from certain cultivated forms of the Capsicum annuum. In the same line there are also other shapes and fruits. Think of cayenne pepper.
During the growing process, the beautifully colored peppers are still purple, green, white or brown and they taste bitter. During the ripening process you will see the colors and the taste change to the well-known sweet taste. During December and March the peppers come from the Mediterranean countries, but during the other months we get the peppers from the Dutch greenhouses.
How healthy is this beautifully colored fruit vegetable?
The pepper is a healthy fruit, we can say that without a doubt. The added value of regularly adding peppers to your regular diet is of substantial value. What exactly is in the pepper:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin C (present in large quantities and the red pepper has twice as much as the green pepper)
- Calcium
- Iron
The kilocalories in the pepper are actually almost negligible. The 200 grams per day of vegetables (minimum) is in practice about four serving spoons and therefore contains very few kilocalories for peppers.
If you compare the red pepper with all kinds of vegetables, the red pepper with vitamin C is at the top, together with the Brussels sprouts and blackcurrants. The pepper contains no fat and hardly any proteins. It is a perfect product for several reasons if you want to eat healthy or are on a strict diet. It is easily digestible and fresh in every dish.
Negative
Is there anything negative to mention about the pepper? Well, not actually. Of course, too is never good, that applies to everything. However, you can’t actually eat that much of pepper, which would be very bad for your health.
Processing in food
Paprika is fresh and can be used in different ways, which makes it such a pleasant product. Some examples:
- Hollow out the pepper and fill it with a minced meat and garlic mixture and place it in the oven.
- Or hollow out the pepper and fill it with an egg and mayo mixture. Sprinkle some cayenne pepper over it if desired.
- Cut the pepper into pieces and add it to a fresh salad, possibly supplemented with some fresh nuts.
- Cut the pepper into pieces and use it in a stir-fry/wok dish. Never more than about 8 minutes.
- Make small slices of the pepper and place them on a sandwich with extra mature or old cheese.
- Cut the pepper into thin slices and place on a ham and cheese sandwich.
- Process the pepper in a slightly spicy soup.
and there are many other ways to process the pepper.
Fresh peppers!
A fresh pepper is one that you do not put in the refrigerator, but on the fruit bowl. Preferably in an environment that is not too heated. Between 8 and 12 degrees is best to keep the pepper in the fruit bowl. The pepper will not keep well for more than about 7 days. Freezing is possible. Then you can keep the pepper for about a year.
Finally
The pepper is versatile, colors the dish and is a fresh vegetable. Add the pepper to your regular diet and above all enjoy it!
