- Botanical Name & Family: Capsicum annuum L., Solanaceae (nightshade family) .
- Plant Description: Flowering plant, herb or small shrub (0.3-1.2 m tall). Glossy, oval leaves. Star- or bell-shaped flowers (white, greenish, purple, or lavender). Fruits are true berries, wide variety of shapes/sizes/colors (green, red, yellow, orange, black), often changing color as they ripen.
- Cultivation Tips: Requires a long, warm growing season. Set out plants 1-2 weeks after last frost. Plant 18-24 inches apart in sunny, well-drained spot (pH 6.2-7.0). Mix compost into soil. Water regularly (1-2 inches/week). Support taller plants. Harvest with shears/knife before first fall frost.
- Ayurvedic Description: Bell peppers are generally considered less pungent than chilies. As part of the Capsicum genus, they contain phytochemicals like flavonoids and carotenoids. While specific Ayurvedic properties for bell peppers are less detailed than for hot chilies, their general family properties suggest they might influence Pitta due to their warming nature, but their sweetness can balance Vata.
Nutritional profile of seasonal vegetable (per 100g raw edible portion):
| Vegetable | Botanical Name | Calories (kcal) | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) | Key Vitamins | Key Minerals |
| Capsicum (Bell Pepper) | Capsicum annuum | 24 / 25 | 6 / 6 | 1 / 1 | 0 / 0 | 2 / 2 | C (106 mg), A (2 mcg RAE) | Ca (1 mg), K (4 mg), Na (4 mg), Fe (2 mg) |