Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/846769
35 Bell peppers also known as capsi- cums or sweet peppers are native to Mexico, and other Central America regions brought to the rest of the world by Spanish and Portuguese explores during the 16th and 17th Century. They are members of the nightshade family, which also includes potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant. Sweet peppers are plump, bell- shaped vegetables with crunchy, thick fleshy texture and may be found in different colours but mainly green, which have a more pungent, slightly bitter flavour. The red, orange and yellow varieties are sweeter and almost fruity. Paprika can be prepared from red bell peppers (as well as from chilli peppers). Bell peppers are not hot. The primary substance that con- trols hotness in peppers is called capsaicin, and it's found in very small amounts in bell peppers. Contrary to popular belief, not all green peppers turn to red when ripe. Yellow and orange peppers are more mature than green but less than the fully ripened red pep- pers. Whilst all peppers are a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin B com- plex, the levels of most nutrients are higher in the more mature (red) peppers. Although peppers are available throughout the year, they are most abundant and tasty during the summer and early autumn months. maltatoday, SUNDAY, 9 JULY 2017 Fine food of the week Food Ingredients • 4 small sweet peppers • 100g ricotta • 1 wholemeal bun, cut in half • Marjoram • Olive oil • Salt and pepper • Fresh rocket Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. 2. Rub the whole peppers in ol- ive oil and place in a baking tray. 3. Roast until the skin on the peppers is starting to black- en. Time will depend on the size of the peppers but this should take approx. 30 mins. 4. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. 5. When ready to serve, toast the bread and spread the ricotta over the top. 6. Season with salt, pepper and olive oil. 7. Place two peppers over the top of each slice of toast. 8. Sprinkle with a handful of marjoram and drizzle with olive oil. 9. Serve with plenty of fresh rocket. Recipe of the week Roasted sweet peppers on ricotta and toast Summer capsicums Fun facts • The bell pepper tops the list of foods with the highest levels of Vitamin C. • The scientific name for bell peppers is Capsicum annum. • Peppers were named by Spanish explorers searching for peppercorn plants to produce black pepper. • Only 45 calories per 1 cup serving but the sweeter the bell pepper, the higher the calories • Not all bell peppers start off green nor do green bell peppers always mature into other colours.