Welcome to Tasty Tidbits, your go-to guide for making the most out of the fresh, local produce that you find at Alabama farmers markets! Brought to you by Live Well Alabama, each edition highlights a delicious fruit or vegetable, providing nutrition facts, simple storage and cooking tips, and new recipe ideas. Get ready to explore fresh flavors, boost your meals with nutritious ingredients, and enjoy the best of what Alabama’s farms have to offer.

Nutrition Nuggets

• Low in calories and sodium.
• Excellent source of vitamin C, which supports a strong immune system.
• Red bell peppers contain vitamin A, which supports eye health.

How to Store

• Store away from ethylene-producing fruits such as apples, apricots, and cantaloupes. 
• Store in the refrigerator in the vegetable crisper or in a container for up to 5 days.

How to Prepare

• Wash and dry.
• Remove and discard the stem and seeds.
• Cut into rings, strips, or chunks.
• Leave whole for stuffing.

How to Enjoy

• Sauté, grill, roast, or stuff.
• Add to omelets, stir-fries, casseroles, burgers, pizzas, or soups.
• Use for dipping.
• Great in salads and salsas.

Did You Know? By weight, bell peppers have twice as much vitamin C as citrus fruits.

Recipes 

Roasted Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers 
• 2 teaspoons oil 
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning 
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper 

Directions

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• Combine seasonings together in a bowl.
• Cut bell peppers in half and rub with oil.
• Place bell peppers cut side up on a baking sheet and sprinkle with the seasoning mixture.
• Roast until bell peppers are tender and blistered in spots, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Sautéed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• 2 bell peppers, cut into long strips (try a mix of colors) 
• 1 medium onion, sliced  
• 1 tablespoon oil 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper 

Directions

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add bell peppers and onion and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Stirring occasionally, cook until onions are clear and peppers are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Serve as a side dish or add to sandwiches, tacos, or wraps, cooked pasta, or rice bowls. 

Chicken, Potato & Pepper Bake

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken breast, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped (any color)
• 3 cups potatoes, chopped 
• 2 tablespoons oil 
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning  
• 1/8 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper 
• Cooking oil spray 

Directions

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking oil spray.
• Place chopped chicken, peppers, and potatoes into a large bowl.
• Add oil and seasonings to the bowl and stir to evenly coat the chicken and vegetables.
• Place the mixture on the baking sheet and bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Learn More

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