Holland Mini Bell Peppers
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Holland Mini bell peppers are very small in size, typically less than six centimeters in length, and are round to slightly conical in shape, connected to a short green stem. The skin is shiny, taut, and smooth, ripening from green to yellow, orange, dark green, purple, or red, depending on the variety, when mature. Underneath the surface, the flesh is thick, crisp, and aqueous, encasing a central cavity filled with small, round, and flat cream-colored seeds. Depending on the individual pepper, the central cavity may also be seedless. Holland Mini bell peppers are crunchy with a mild and sweet flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Holland Mini bell peppers are available year-round.
Current Facts
Holland Mini bell peppers, botanically classified as Capsicum annuum, are tiny pods belonging to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. Created in the Netherlands, Holland Mini bell peppers are a specialty variety selected for its novel size and sweet flavor. Like other bell pepper varieties, Holland Mini bell peppers can be found in a wide range of colors and are favored for their sweet flavor and crunchy texture. The mini peppers are seen in local markets labeled under many names, including Mini Capsicums, Baby bell peppers, and Tinkerbell peppers, and are used in a variety of both fresh and cooked culinary applications. Bell peppers grown in Holland are earning a global reputation for their quality flavor, and the demand for the branded produce is rapidly increasing. In the markets, Holland Mini bell peppers are often distinguished from other peppers by being displayed in carefully packaged boxes or are neatly stacked to showcase the small size and bright colors. Holland Mini bell peppers are cultivated year-round for local consumption and are also highly exported across Europe.
Nutritional Value
Holland Mini bell peppers are an excellent source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion and vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can help boost the immune system. The tiny peppers also contain some potassium, vitamins A, E, and K, and manganese.
Applications
Holland Mini bell peppers are best suited for both raw and cooked applications such as blistering, roasting, and sautéing. The crunchy flesh is showcased when consumed raw, and the peppers are promoted as bite-sized snacks for children, school lunches, and on-the-go meals. The peppers can also be tossed into fresh green salads, sliced and used as vessels for dips, or stuffed with cheeses, grains, or meat as an appetizer. In addition to fresh preparations, Holland Mini bell peppers can be lightly blistered and layered into quesadillas or sandwiches, chopped into a stir-fry, or sautéed in a peperonata and paired with cooked meats. Holland Mini bell peppers pair well with cheeses such as blue, feta, ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella, herbs such as cilantro, parsley, basil, oregano, and thyme, meats such as beef, pork, and poultry, pine nuts, kale, and potatoes. For optimum flavor and texture, the peppers should be used within one week and stored in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Nature’s Pride, a company based in Holland, developed a marketing campaign to promote ripe fruit that is ready for consumption. Known as the “Eat Me I’m Ripe” campaign, stickers were placed on ripe fruits such as mangoes and avocadoes to signal to consumers that the items are at peak ripeness and are ready for immediate use. This campaign was launched in 2011 and was later followed with other “Eat Me” stickers on unique produce varieties such as Holland Mini bell peppers. These stickers have become a mark of quality flavor and are an eye-catching way to promote the brand's items when selling locally and exporting to neighboring countries.
Geography/History
Holland Mini bell peppers were developed in the Netherlands, and while their exact origins are unknown, the peppers are believed to have been released in the early 21st century and are descendants of common bell peppers. The small peppers are cultivated for half of the year in greenhouses in the Netherlands and for half of the year in Spain, where the climate is slightly warmer during the winter months. They have also been reported to have been cultivated in regions of Belgium. Once harvested, Holland Mini bell peppers are exported through select companies across Europe for sale as a specialty variety. The peppers may also be found at specialty markets in North America and Asia.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Holland Mini Bell Peppers. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Taste and See |
|
Buffalo Chicken Baby Bell Peppers |
| Woolworths |
|
Roast Turducken with Stuffed Mini Capsicums |
| Woolworths |
|
Cheesy Corn-Stuffed Mini Capsicums |
