Peppers were named by Christopher Columbus and Spanish explorers who were searching for peppercorn plants that produce the spice known as black pepper. Bell peppers are sweet peppers and are chunky in shape, but nearly hollow inside.

Bell peppers come in different colors including deep green, blond, bright yellow, orange, fire-truck red and purple-black. The most common varieties of bell peppers will turn from green to red. As green peppers mature by ripening on the vine, they become sweeter. Other varieties will turn yellow, orange, or brown.

Green bell peppers are available year-round. The red, orange, yellow, purple and brown varieties are available sporadically throughout the year.