How to Prepare Nature Fresh Farms® Bell Peppers for any Recipe
Start with peppers you can feel good about. Nature Fresh Farms bell peppers are Non-GMO Project Verified and grown with care in our greenhouses, giving you fresh, vibrant, naturally sweet peppers – any day of the year. Prepping them is easy, so you can enjoy their crunch and flavor in salads, stir-fries, roasting, grilling, or just about anything you’re cooking.
Step 1: Fresh and Ready
- Our bell peppers are grown in clean, carefully controlled greenhouses, but a quick rinse is still a good idea. Just run them under cool water, gently rub off any dirt, and pat dry with a towel.
- Rinse under cool running water.
- Gently rub with your hands or use a soft brush to remove any residue.
- Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
Step 2: Core and Seed Like a Pro
Removing the stem and seeds gives you more of the delicious, usable pepper and makes cooking easier.
- Stabilize: Stand the pepper upright on a cutting board.
- Slice the Top: Carefully cut around the stem or slice off just below it.
- Remove the Core: Pull out the stem and core—the seeds should come with it. Shake out any leftovers or remove them with your fingers.
- Optional Halves: Slice the pepper in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds with a spoon or fingers for easy handling.
Now you have clean halves, quarters, or hollow cylinders, perfect for cutting however you like.
Step 3: Cut for Your Dish
How you cut your pepper effects texture, cooking time, and presentation.
For Salads and Fresh Dishes
- Strips: Lay the pepper half flat, skin-side down, and cut into thin ¼-inch strips.
- Dices: Stack a few strips and cut crosswise into small cubes (¼–½ inch).
These cuts keep the peppers crisp and showcase their natural sweetness.
For Stir-Fries or Sautéed Dishes
- Wider Strips: Cut ½–¾ inch strips for a tender but firm bite.
- Chunks: Make 1-inch squares or triangles – perfect for high-heat cooking without getting mushy.
For Roasting or Grilling
- Halves or Quarters: Larger pieces are great for stuffing or getting a tender, smoky char.
- Thick Strips: Cut about 1 inch wide for grilling alongside veggies or proteins.
No matter how you cut them, Nature Fresh Farms peppers hold up beautifully under heat.
Step 4: Storing Your Prepped Peppers
Keep your cut peppers fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay crisp and delicious for 2-3 days, ready for your next meal. And since our peppers are available year-round, you can always restock with fresh, premium produce.
Make Every Meal Tastier
With these easy prep steps, your Nature Fresh Farms bell peppers are ready for salads, stir-fries, roasting, grilling, and more. Check out Nature Fresh Farms recipes here to get inspired. Our commitment to sustainable growing practices and Non-GMO Project Verified produce ensures every pepper delivers unbeatable flavor, quality, and peace of mind.