When it comes to long, sweet red peppers, there are a few different varieties that fit this description. Some of the most common long, red sweet peppers include:
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are one of the most well-known varieties of sweet peppers. They have a blocky shape and come in several colors including green, red, yellow, orange, and sometimes purple or brown. The red bell pepper is the fully ripe version of the green pepper. When allowed to ripen completely on the vine, green bell peppers will turn red, yellow, or orange and become sweeter and less bitter.
Red bell peppers are the most common long, tapered variety of sweet red pepper. They are crunchy, juicy, and have a mild, sweet flavor. Red bells can grow over 4 inches long with 3 or 4 lobes. They are rich in vitamins A and C.
Lipstick Peppers
Lipstick peppers are a tapered, cone-shaped red pepper that somewhat resembles a tube of lipstick. They grow 4 to 6 inches long and around 2 inches wide at the shoulder. Lipstick peppers are ultra sweet and juicy with a crisp texture. They have very thick walls that make them perfect for stuffing and baking.
Sweet Banana Peppers
Sweet banana peppers grow up to 6 inches long and have a signature curved, pale yellow shape that resembles a banana. When left to fully ripen, sweet banana peppers turn from yellow to red. The red variety has the same shape as the yellow but with a sweeter, richer flavor. They have thin flesh that is perfect for pickling, stuffing, or eating fresh.
Shishito Peppers
Shishito peppers are small, slender Japanese peppers that grow 3 to 4 inches long. Most shishitos are light green in color, but some varieties ripen to red. They are mildly sweet with a hint of smokiness and minimal heat. Shishitos can be eaten pan-fried, grilled, or tempura-battered.
Here is a handy comparison table summarizing the key details about some common long, red sweet pepper varieties:
| Pepper Variety | Appearance | Taste | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Bell | 4 inches or longer, tapered with 3-4 lobes | Sweet, mild | Salads, sautéing, roasting, stuffing |
| Lipstick | 4-6 inches, cone shaped | Ultra sweet and juicy | Stuffing, baking, frying |
| Sweet Banana | Up to 6 inches, pale yellow ripening to red | Sweet and rich | Pickling, stuffing, fresh eating |
| Shishito | 3-4 inches, slender and green ripening to red | Mildly sweet with some smokiness | Sautéing, grilling, tempura |
Growing Conditions
All of these long, red sweet pepper varieties thrive in similar conditions. Here are some key growing requirements:
- Full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day
- Fertile, well-draining soil – peppers grow best in loose, nutrient-rich soil that retains some moisture
- Consistent moisture – about 1-2 inches of water per week either from rain or irrigation
- Warm weather – daytime temperatures around 70-80°F and nighttime temps above 50°F
- Long growing season – sweet peppers need about 60-90 days of warm weather to fully mature and ripen
These peppers grow well when started indoors in early spring and transplanted outside after the last frost. Use row covers or greenhouse structures to extend the growing season in cooler climates. Provide support with stakes or trellises as the peppers grow and become heavy with fruit.
Selecting and Storing Sweet Red Peppers
When shopping for red bell peppers, lipstick peppers, banana peppers, or other long red sweet pepper varieties, look for glossy skins and firm, turgid flesh. The peppers should feel heavy for their size.
Avoid peppers with wrinkled skins, soft spots, or brown blemishes. Make sure the stems and caps are intact. Loose, dangling stems are a sign of poor quality.
Store unwashed red peppers in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Do not store peppers with apples, tomatoes, or citrus fruits – these foods accelerate the breakdown of the peppers.
Washed peppers have a shorter fridge life of only 2-3 days. For longer storage, red bell peppers and other sweet red pepper varieties can be blanched and frozen for 9-12 months.
Uses for Red Sweet Peppers
With their mild, sweet flavor and crisp texture, red bell peppers and other tapered red sweet peppers are versatile ingredients perfect for:
- Chopping into fresh salsas, salads, and relishes
- Adding color and nutrition to pasta, pizza, and egg dishes
- Grilling, roasting, or sautéing as a side dish
- Stuffing with meat, cheese, grains or vegetarian fillings
- Pickling into pepper rings or strips
- Pureeing into dips, soups, or sauces
Their sweetness balances spicy flavors beautifully. Try them in stir fries, fajitas, shakshuka, kebabs, and more.
Health Benefits
All sweet red peppers pack an impressive amount of nutrition. One red bell pepper contains:
- Vitamin C – over 300% DV. In fact, red bells have more vitamin C than citrus fruits!
- Vitamin A – 37% DV
- Vitamin B6 – 14% DV
- Folate – 7% DV
- Potassium – 5% DV
- Fiber – 3g
- Antioxidants like carotenoids and lycopene
Red peppers are especially high in antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. The capsaicin compound also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Eating red peppers, both raw and cooked, may help lower cholesterol, boost immunity, build collagen, promote eye health, and reduce cancer risk.
Conclusion
When looking for a long, sweet red pepper, opt for red bell peppers, lipstick peppers, sweet banana peppers, shishito peppers, or other tapered red varieties. Allow green peppers to fully ripen to brilliant red on the vine for the sweetest flavor.
Red bell peppers, shishitos, and other long red sweet peppers add crunch, color, vitamins, and antioxidants to so many recipes. They are easy to grow, store, and incorporate into a healthy lifestyle.