Fresh at the Farmers Market: Bell Peppers

Summer is winding down, but local farmers are still bringing the tastes of the season to the table via the Pinole Farmers Market. Crisp, colorful and versatile, bell peppers are this week's featured product by the Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association (PCFMA)

"Bell peppers change from green to red, orange, yellow, or purple as they are left on the vine to mature," explains the PCFMA. "As bell peppers mature, their sugar content increases, so they become sweeter and develop more of vitamins A and C."

"Classically, sweet bell peppers pair well with squash, eggplant, onions, and tomatoes, although their use is practically unlimited with any summer vegetable. They taste great roasted, sauteed, or raw. Add them raw to salads, cooked into stews, or pureed into sauces."

Experiment with peppers by exploring the recipes provided by PCFMA.

Producers selling peppers at the market include J&M Farms of Reedley, California and Ruiz Farms of Santa Maria, California. For a list of vendors at the Pinole farmers' market, visit the PCFMA website.

Do you have a favorite or unique way to use bell peppers in recipes? Tell us in the comments.