Have you ever heard that peppers can be divided into "male" and "female" peppers? According to this theory, peppers with four bumps on the bottom are "female" - sweeter and better suited for eating raw, while those with three bumps are "male" - firmer and ideal for cooking.
Sounds logical, right? But before you start obsessively counting the bumps on your peppers, let's check whether this popular culinary "tip" has any scientific basis or is just another myth circulating on the internet.
Do peppers really have a gender?
Let us break it to you right away – peppers do not have a gender. Each pepper grows from a flower that contains both male and female reproductive parts, meaning that peppers are hermaphrodites. The number of bumps on the bottom of a pepper is simply a result of genetics and growing conditions, not an indicator of its “sex.”
Botanists and agronomists confirm that there is no connection between the number of bumps and the taste or usefulness of a pepper. So, if you believed that you had to look for four bumps to get a sweet pepper – you are unfortunately mistaken!
What about the color of the pepper?
If the number of bumps doesn't matter, then what determines pepper flavorThe answer is simple – its color and degree of ripeness.
- Green pepper It is immature, so it has a slightly bitter taste and is harder. It is often used for cooking, baking or stuffing.
- Yellow and orange peppers They are sweeter and softer, great for salads and eating raw.
- Red pepper It is the ripest and therefore the sweetest. It contains the most vitamin C and antioxidants.
So if you want a sweeter pepper, focus on the color rather than the bumps!
How to choose the right pepper?
Now that we know that peppers don't have a gender, how do you choose the best one? Here are some simple tips:
For cooking: Choose any bell pepper – green is great for strong flavors, while red and orange are suitable for dishes where you want more sweetness.
For salads and raw consumption: Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter and milder.
For charging: Shape is important – look for peppers that have a stable bottom and plenty of space inside.
Myth debunked!
The theory of “male” and “female” peppers is just another internet myth with no scientific basis. Next time you’re choosing a pepper, focus on its freshness, color, and intended use – counting the bumps on the bottom is completely unnecessary!
So, are there really “male” and “female” peppers? No. But at least now you know how to choose the right one! 😉
