Capsicum
A tropical or subtropical plant. Plants grow from sea level up to about 2400 m altitude. They are killed by frost. Soils need to be well drained and fertile. The fruit and plants can rot in the middle of the wettest seasons. They need a temperature above 4°C. A night temperature of 16-18°C and a day temperature of 26-28°C is best. A pH of 5.4-6.9 is suitable. They suit plant hardiness zones 8-12.
Also known as:
Adimaeti, Aji, Aji dulce, Aji rojo, Bell peppers, Chilar de monte, Epeba, Gochu, Kamalra, Kamulali, Khursani, Laat jiu, Libokeg, Malu miris, Milagai, Mirch, Miris, Mixamixo, Ndungu zi mafofolo, Ngayok, Ot, Perec, Pilopilo, Pimentao, Pirpiri, Prik chee faa, Tattasai, Togarashi, Tsi-tra-ka
Edible Portion
- Fruit, Leaves, Herb, Spice, Vegetable
Where does Capsicum grow?
Found in: Africa, Albania, Angola, Asia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Terr., BIOT, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Caribbean, Caucasus, Central Africa, Central America, Central Asia, China, Colombia, Congo DR, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, FSM, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Marquesas, Mexico, Moldova, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Peru, Philippines, Pohnpei, Romania, Rotuma, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Sikkim, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Sri Lanka, St Helena, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, United States, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Notes: There are 10 Capsicum species. The various Capsicum annuum varieties may be synonyms of Capsicum annuum. It possibly has anti-cancer properties.
Status: In Papua New Guinea it is becoming a popular vegetable to eat raw.
Growing Capsicum
Cultivation: Plants are grown from seed. Both self and cross pollination occur. It is possible to save your own seed. Seed will keep for 2 to 3 years. Seeds germinate in 6 - 10 days. Plants can be transplanted. Plants need to be about 50 cm apart. About 50% of flowers set fruit.
Edible Uses: The fruit are edible raw or cooked. They are stuffed, roasted, fried, preserved and use as flavouring. The leaves are edible cooked.
Production: The first fruit can be harvested after 3-4 months.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit green raw | 15 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 59 | 100 | 0.2 | 93.5 |
| Fruit green boiled | 14 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 59 | 60 | 0.2 | 93.7 |
| Fruit yellow raw | 27 | 1 | 0.5 | 24 | 183.5 | 0.2 | 92 |
| Leaves | 53 | 5.8 | 1.4 | - | 68 | - | 82.1 |
Capsicum Photos
References
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