Grossum Group of the species Banana bell peppers annuum. Peppers are native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Pepper seeds were imported to Spain in 1493 and then spread through Europe and Asia.

The mild bell pepper cultivar was developed in the 1920s, in Szeged, Hungary. The name pepper was given by Europeans when Christopher Columbus brought the plant back to Europe. Piper nigrum originating from India, was a highly prized condiment. Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. The most common colors of bell peppers are green, yellow, orange and red.

Other colors include brown, white, lavender, and dark purple, depending on the variety. Most typically, unripe fruits are green or, less commonly, pale yellow or purple. Red bell peppers are simply ripened green peppers, although the Permagreen variety maintains its green color even when fully ripe. Like the tomato, bell peppers are botanical fruits but culinary vegetables. Pieces of bell pepper are commonly used in garden salads and as toppings on pizza.

The bell pepper is the only member of the genus Capsicum that does not produce capsaicin, a lipophilic chemical that can cause a strong burning sensation when it comes in contact with mucous membranes. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox”. Paprika: A Spicy Memoir from Hungary. Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, US Department of Agriculture. Vegetable of the Month: Bell Pepper”. University of the District of Columbia. Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health.

For other uses, including peppers with similar names, see Birdseye. The bird’s eye chili plant is a perennial with small, tapering fruits, often two or three, at a node. The bird’s eye chili is small, but is quite hot. It measures around 100,000 – 225,000 Scoville units, which is at the lower half of the range for the hotter habanero, but still much hotter than a common jalapeño.