Sweet peppers

In season in SW Michigan

In season

Months from the MSU Extension seasonal availability guide. Weather shifts dates a little each year.

Key nutrients

%DV uses FDA Daily Values for adults and children 4+. Values are USDA lab averages scaled to the serving; your harvest may differ.

Wellness

A cup of chopped green bell pepper has about 30 calories, 120 mg of vitamin C (133% DV) and 0.33 mg of vitamin B6 (20% DV). A cup of chopped red bell pepper has about 191 mg of vitamin C (212% DV). (USDA · USDA) The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements says the body needs vitamin C to make collagen, which helps wounds heal, and that vitamin C improves absorption of iron from plant foods and helps the immune system work properly. (NIH ODS) NIH ODS also says vitamin B6 is needed for more than 100 enzyme reactions involved in metabolism. (NIH ODS)

Pick, store and use

• Pick

  Choose firm peppers free of disease and insect damage. (MSU Extension)

• Store

  Keep peppers at room temperature; once refrigerated, use them within 1–3 days. (MSU Extension)

• Preserve

  Bell peppers can be frozen without blanching, but they're limp when thawed, so use them in cooked dishes. Pressure canning is the only safe way to can peppers. (MSU Extension)

Where to get it nearby

• Bonamego FarmsLawrence · Van Buren Co. U-pick
• Sill Brothers U-PickSouth Haven · Allegan Co. U-pick
• Sommerfeldt FarmsBenton Harbor · Berrien Co.

See all farms →

Farms whose listing mentions peppers. Check with the farm before you go.