The bell pepper grown in Piedmont, a member of the Solanaceae family, has ancient origins dating back to South America. The plant has an upright habit, with glossy, lance-shaped green leaves, sometimes slightly hairy, and produces solitary white flowers. The fruit, a hollow, fleshy berry, starts out green and then turns yellow or red when fully ripe. Inside it is capsicin, responsible for the spicy taste. We sow peppers in the greenhouse in February and harvest them during the summer and fall, with varieties prized for their sweet flavor, crisp texture and versatility in cooking.
