Not all bell peppers are devoid of spiciness.
While the majority of bell peppers are indeed mild, there are exceptions that can surprise even the most seasoned pepper enthusiasts.
Let’s delve into the world of bell peppers and uncover the truth about their spiciness.
Why Aren’t Most Bell Peppers Spicy?
Most bell peppers aren’t spicy because they lack capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spicy heat found in other chili peppers.
Bell peppers belong to the same botanical family as spicy peppers, but they have a recessive gene that prevents the production of capsaicin.
As a result, they have no spiciness and are known for their sweet and mild flavor.
If you want to learn more about the difference between a spicy pepper and a bell pepper, I created an in-depth article on that topic, check it out here: Bell Pepper vs Chili Pepper
Do Some People Find Bell Peppers Spicy?
Yes, some individuals with heightened sensitivity to even mild levels of heat might find bell peppers slightly spicy. However, for the majority of people, bell peppers are not considered spicy.
Which Bell Peppers Are Spicy?
while the majority of bell peppers are known for their sweet and mild flavor, there are specific hybrid varieties that can provide a mild level of spiciness.
Two examples of such peppers are the “Cajun Belle” and “Mexibell.”
Cajun Belle Pepper:
The Cajun Belle pepper is a hybrid variety that combines the appearance of a bell pepper with a touch of spiciness.
It typically ranges from 500 to 4,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This means it falls within the range of milder chili peppers, such as jalapeños.
Mexibell Pepper:
The Mexibell pepper is another hybrid variety that shares similarities with bell peppers while having a mild level of heat.
It ranges from 100 to 1,000 SHU, making it more comparable to poblano peppers in terms of spiciness.
Other Spicy Bell Pepper Hybrids
If a bell pepper plant is in close proximity to hot chili pepper plants, there is a chance that the pollen from the chili pepper flowers might be carried to the bell pepper flowers and vice versa.
As a result, the seeds produced by these cross-pollinated bell peppers can carry genetic traits from both bell peppers and chili peppers.
So, if a gardener saves seeds from cross-pollinated bell peppers and plants them in the following year, the resulting plants may exhibit unexpected characteristics, including the potential for spiciness.
It’s worth noting that unintentional hybrids are not a common occurrence, especially in controlled agricultural environments where crops are carefully managed to prevent cross-pollination.
However, for home gardeners who grow different pepper varieties in close proximity, there’s a possibility of unintentional hybrids emerging due to natural pollination processes.
Are Hot House Bell Peppers Spicy?
Hot house bell peppers are grown in controlled environments, typically greenhouses.
This controlled cultivation allows for optimal growing conditions, resulting in consistent size, shape, and color.
However, their flavor profile is more akin to traditional bell peppers – sweet and mild.
What Is the Difference Between HH Red Bell Peppers and Regular Red Bell Peppers?
As mentioned, HH (hot house) red bell peppers are cultivated in controlled greenhouse environments, while regular red bell peppers are grown in open fields.
Neither are spicy, so don’t be confused be the term “hot house”
FAQs
What Is the Mildest Bell Pepper?
All non-hybrid bell peppers, including green ones, are equally mild as they lack capsaicin, the compound responsible for spiciness.
Are Mini Bell Peppers Spicy?
No, mini bell peppers are not spicy. They have the same mild flavor as regular-sized bell peppers and do not contain capsaicin, the compound that causes spiciness in peppers.
Are Red Bell Peppers Spicy Hot?
No, red bell peppers are not spicy hot. They have a mild and sweet flavor with no spiciness because they do not contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in peppers.
How Spicy Are Green Bell Peppers?
Green bell peppers are not spicy at all. They have a very mild flavor and do not contain capsaicin, which is the compound responsible for the spiciness in peppers.
Why Is My Bell Pepper Spicy?
If your bell pepper tastes spicy, it could be due to a few reasons.
One possibility is that the pepper is a hybrid variety with some level of heat.
Another reason could be accidental cross-pollination with a hot chili pepper during cultivation.
Additionally, some individuals might have a heightened sensitivity to even mild levels of heat.
It’s also important to consider the possibility of a contaminated cutting board or knife used for slicing hot peppers, which can transfer the spiciness to your bell pepper.
Conclusion
The majority of bell peppers, especially the commonly consumed varieties, are not inherently spicy due to their low capsaicin content.
While unintentional hybrids and rare exceptions might introduce some level of spiciness, most bell peppers are known for their sweet and mild flavor profile.
Remember that individual sensitivity varies, and what might be mild for one person could be perceived as spicy by another.
