How to Pick your Peppers

Did you know that Bell Peppers are categorized as male or female according to the pepper’s anatomy?  Peppers with four lobes at the base are considered to be female and normally sweet and full of seeds.  Peppers with three lobes are considered male, normally not as sweet and contain less seeds. Female peppers are better eaten raw or in lightly sautéed dishes, while the male peppers are best suited for baked dishes.  Who knew Pepper Bottoms were so informative?

And if anyone's interested in their health benefits, peppers are low in calories, full of vitamin A, C and potassium, and are a great source of fiber, folate and iron.

Mom always claimed to be full of useless information and I think I’ve inherited the trait. I learned this tidbit recently thanks to our local Senior Center, but perhaps I’m the last to know.