Bulgarian pepper Sweet pepper, Sweet pepper. Bulgarian pepper: history, composition, useful properties and contraindications

You can find a couple of versions on the Internet. According to the first version...

This linguistic penetration occurred in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, along with settlers from Bulgaria, who were allowed to settle Zaporozhye and Bessarabia. They brought with them the seeds of sweet pepper, already widespread in the territory of the Ottoman Empire, which, through Odessa and what was then New Russia, got into the middle part of Russia, and then into the Russian language.

The second version says that this happened closer to the 50-60s of the last century, when Bulgaria, which suddenly became socialist, began to massively supply its agricultural products to the USSR market, including pepper. And to the question of the buyer: “What kind of vegetable (pepper) is this?”, The seller in the market or in the store invariably answered “Bulgarian”, meaning the country of origin. That's where it all seems to have started.

But in fact, the birthplace of such pepper is the south North America especially Mexico. The largest sweet pepper plantations in the world are still concentrated there today. But in 1493, the seeds of pepper, which the Aztecs grew, were brought by sailors to Spain, and from there to others. European countries. According to the Spanish historian, missionary and friar of the Franciscan order Bernardino de Sahagún, who worked and died in Mexico, vegetable pepper– Capsicum annuum, has been known to Europe since at least 1529.

Now sweet pepper is bred in the southern temperate, subtropical and tropical latitudes of all continents. Including in Bulgaria, where breeders once bred their large-fruited varieties. From there pepper, in particular, popular variety, called kamba (bell) in Bulgaria, and migrated to the tables of Soviet citizens, receiving the name "Bulgarian" as a reward. Which, by the way, is surprised by the Bulgarian Wikipedia, considering it an entertaining fact.

In Bulgaria itself, he is a “sweet piper”. And in many European countries, despite the local "nicknames", the name paprika has taken root - both pepper and the spice that is made from it. Although sweet peppers are called peberfrugt (pepper-fruit) in Denmark, in France they are called poivron. They gave him their names in other latitudes. In Brazil, for example, it is called a big pepper - Pimentão, in Costa Rica - sweet chili(chile dulce). The Bashkirs saw in it only "kyzyl boros" - red pepper. And in some regions of the US states of Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, even ... mangoes! Although to tropical fruit it's not directly related. It's just a habit. Once upon a time, mangoes were available there only in canned, which is why the locals began to call all pickled vegetables, including peppers, mango.

The great-grandfather of sweet bell pepper comes from America, although initially it was not sweet at all. For many, the history of origin remains a mystery ...

It is cultivated as an agricultural crop mainly in the southern temperate, subtropical and tropical latitudes on all continents. IN middle lane bell peppers are grown in greenhouses; The optimal temperature for the growth and development of this plant is 18-25 °C.

The homeland of pepper is America, and it can still be found in the wild in Mexico, Colombia and the countries of Central America. After the discovery of America, pepper was brought first to Spain and Portugal, and then to other European countries and the Middle East.

The benefits of bell pepper, due to its rich vitamin and mineral composition, no doubt. It contains beta-carotene (vitamin A) and vitamin C, which increase immunity, stimulate the growth of nails and hair, and also improve visual acuity, the condition of the skin and mucous membranes.

As already noted, bell pepper can most often be found on sale in three different colors- red, yellow and green. This different varieties bell pepper.

red pepper contains a large number of vitamin A - 125 mcg, while in green and yellow peppers it is 18 and 10 mcg, respectively. Red pepper is also rich in vitamin C - 200 mg per 100 grams of bell pepper, which is 200% daily allowance. Red peppers are high in lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that reduces the risk of cancer.

Yellow pepper contains minimal amount lycopene is a red pigment, but it contains carotenoids, which give yellow. this type of sweet pepper is the champion in its content of potassium - 218 mg per 100 grams, while in red - 163 mg, in green - 175 mg. As you know, potassium is very good for the heart. In addition, yellow pepper contains a lot of phosphorus - 24 mg per 100 grams.
Phosphorus is involved in the formation of the skeletal system, and ensures the normal functioning of the kidneys and cell growth.

Green pepper contains phytosterols - complex chemical compounds, vegetable analogues of cholesterol. Their molecules are involved in lipid metabolism, reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol. Green pepper less calories - 20 kilocalories per 100 grams.

The taste of bell pepper!

Sweet bell pepper has a slightly neutral sweet taste. The degree of ripeness affects the taste of pepper.
The combination of bell pepper with other products
Bulgarian pepper goes well with any vegetables, as well as meat.

The use of bell pepper in cooking!

Bulgarian pepper is widely used in cooking. It is used in fresh, salted, marinated, canned, fried, grilled, stuffed with meat, vegetables and other products. Peppers are used to make lechos and sauces, and are also added to salads, soups, stewed with vegetables or meat.
Features of cooking bell pepper

Bulgarian pepper is eaten both fresh and cooked: it is fried, stewed, stuffed, grilled. To preserve a large amount of vitamin C, which contains Bulgarian pepper, it is recommended to use it fresh.

Storing bell pepper

Peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for 30 to 50 days. Optimum temperature for the storage of sweet peppers - 0 - 1 ° C at a relative humidity of 90 - 95%.
Traditional role in dishes

Sweet bell pepper is one of the most common types of vegetables used in the cuisines of the peoples of the world. It is used in salads, soups, appetizers, second courses and even pies are prepared from it. In dried form, bell pepper is the familiar paprika to all of us.

The history of the origin of bell pepper

Bulgarian pepper - one of the oldest vegetables, which is more than 9 thousand years old - came to us from America. Archaeological excavations in Peru, Mexico and Central America have shown that pepper has been cultivated and eaten here since the dawn of agriculture, six thousand years BC.

The first mention of peppers dates back to 1494 - the physician Columbus mentions them in his notes. The Indians ate pepper instead of salt.

In Russia, the appearance of sweet pepper is attributed to the end of the 16th century; it was brought to us from Iran and Turkey, and industrial value he acquired only by the middle of the 19th century.

Large-fruited varieties of sweet pepper were bred in Bulgaria, which is why it is called Bulgarian. From Bulgaria, sweet pepper came at the end of the 17th century to Ukraine, Moldova and southern Russia.

At first, sweet pepper was used as a cure for anemia, dizziness and asthma, and only much later they began to use it in cooking, paying tribute to its taste.

Influence on the human body, beneficial substances

In bell pepper, especially in red and yellow, there is more vitamin C than in lemon and even in black currant. Especially a lot of vitamin C near the stem.

B vitamins, which are found in sweet peppers, are useful for insomnia and general body fatigue, memory impairment, stress and depression, diabetes. Vitamins P and C help strengthen the walls blood vessels. Zinc, iron, calcium, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, and other microelements that make up bell peppers are indispensable for anemia, osteoporosis, disruption of the sebaceous and sweat glands, as well as vitamin deficiency.

The substance capsaicin contained in bell pepper stimulates appetite, and also stimulates the stomach and pancreas and lowers blood pressure, prevents the formation of blood clots.

Caution should be exercised when using sweet bell pepper in the presence of the following diseases: heart rhythm disturbances, hemorrhoids, colitis, stomach ulcers and duodenum, gastritis with hyperacidity gastric juice, exacerbation of chronic diseases of the liver and kidneys, increased excitability of the nervous system, severe ischemic disease (angina pectoris), epilepsy.

After heat treatment Bulgarian pepper does not harm the stomach.

In fact, I have come across several credible versions of why in Russian the thick-walled sweet pepper is called “Bulgarian”. According to the first, this linguistic penetration took place in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, along with settlers from Bulgaria who were allowed to settle in Zaporozhye and Bessarabia. They brought with them the seeds of sweet pepper, already widespread in the territory of the Ottoman Empire, which, through Odessa and what was then New Russia, got into the middle part of Russia, and then into the Russian language.

The second version says that this happened closer to the 50s of the last century, when Bulgaria, which suddenly became socialist, began to massively supply its agricultural products to the USSR market, including pepper. And to the buyer's question "What kind of pepper is this?", the seller in the market or in the store invariably answered "Bulgarian", meaning the country of origin. That's where it all seems to have started.

By the way, I like the second version better. And all because I know for certain how and why the construction and repair tool, which is known throughout the world as a "flex machine" or "angle grinder" (angle drive grinder), began to be referred to in Russian as "grinder ".

The fact is that in the 70s, the large state enterprise Glavbolgarstroy massively erected residential and industrial facilities on the territory of the USSR, including in climatic conditions close to extreme. Bulgarian builders cut metal fittings with German-made flex machines, and did not cut with chisels, sawed with hacksaws for metal or cut with welding and gas cutters, as was customary in those parts. Very quickly, this machine, with which the Bulgarian builders managed very famously, just like with their grumpy wife on the slopes of Staraya Planina or the Rhodopes, received the name “Bulgarian” from their Russian colleagues, and then found its place in wide use.

Well, in Bulgaria, the cult of pepper. It is widely sold not only fresh, but also in dry form. True, in a fresh form, Bulgarian, it already happens only in season.

In many households, it is harvested in the fall for future use, like dried fruits or Forest mushrooms in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Thank God, in the capital you can still buy it in stores, which I did when I was in Sofia for the last time.

The smell of this pepper is amazing.Such a product is especially coveted in great post when there is not enough taste aromas and sensations of summer. Therefore, I will now demonstrate 2 recipes using dried bell pepper.

Dried peppers are poured hot water for 15-20 minutes.

Place 2 pans on the stove. Cut the leek and onion.

Roast them separately. Add paprika and pre-boiled beans to the pan with leek. Align with spices, pepper and salt.

Stir in beans and let cool. Onion fry for a few minutes, after which we also introduce ground paprika into it.

Then add washed rice.

Fry it for a couple of minutes.

Then we enter sauerkraut and simmer for another 10 minutes over low heat. If necessary, add a little water or broth. We season with savory.

We stuff soft peppers with two types of fillings

Lubricate the baking dish, put the peppers, sprinkle them with oil, pour a little tomato juice, put a sprig of savory in the form and send it to the oven, heated to 160 degrees. Bake for about 50 minutes.

The taste is excellent. I like beans better.

Original taken from

Pepper is called an annual herbaceous plant Solanaceae family, as well as its fruits. It is worth distinguishing this crop from black pepper, the latter belongs to the Pepper family. Peppers are native to South and Central America. wild species This plant still grows in its tropical regions.

Pepper is considered one of the most ancient vegetables, it began to be cultivated for several tens of centuries BC. After European sailors in the XV century. came to Central America, pepper became known in Europe.

The first fruits of pepper appeared in Europe thanks to the expedition of Columbus. And as a vegetable crop, it began to be grown a few years later. After Europe, pepper came to Turkey, from there to Bulgaria, then Moldova, Ukraine and southern regions of Russia.

❧ Peppers do not contain enzymes that destroy vitamins during canning. Therefore, in winter, a canned house priest will bring almost as much benefit as fresh vegetables in summer time.

At first, this vegetable was a real rarity, it was grown primarily as medicinal plant With high content vitamins in fruits. Then taste qualities pepper were appreciated, they began to carry out selection work with it. As a result, this vegetable got the opportunity to grow in more severe conditions than in its homeland, its fruits became larger and more tasty. It was also possible to increase the yield of pepper. Currently, pepper is very popular, so the selection work continues to this day.

Pepper varieties are divided into sweet and hot, or bitter.

Useful properties of pepper

Some varieties of sweet peppers contain more vitamin C than lemons or currants. In addition, pepper is rich in vitamins P, B, E, phosphorus, magnesium, fiber, iron, potassium, essential oils. Hotness hot pepper gives the alkaloid capsaicin, which has a beneficial effect on work circulatory system Helps with colds and illnesses respiratory tract. There is very little capsaicin in sweet peppers, some varieties are completely devoid of it, so if there are no contraindications, sweet peppers can be used in conjunction with hot peppers.

Bell pepper

Also called bell pepper. He is one of the most valuable vegetable crops. No vegetable contains as much vitamin C as bell peppers. According to the content of vitamin A, peppers can be compared with carrots. It is also rich in rutin, sugars, B vitamins and essential oils.

Sweet and hot peppers should not be planted side by side, otherwise the fruits of sweet pepper will turn out hot.

Pepper is an essential product in the kitchen. Whether dry or fresh, it will find its place in a particular dish and decorate the table, but besides that, it will become a good product among natural cosmetic and medicines. Why it is called Bulgarian is still a mystery, but this does not infringe on it quality properties and popularity in many countries where this product is the basis of agricultural production.

A little history about bell pepper

Like many foods, bell pepper has a very rich and impressive history. According to archaeological research, the first varieties of pepper grew 9 thousand years ago mainly in the territories of South and Central America (Mexico, Peru, etc.). Some wild-growing types of pepper can be found there even now.

1494 is the date when the sweet bell pepper was first documented, and the attending physician of the famous traveler Columbus did this, just when they were actively exploring the territory of America.

Tellingly, this product was brought to Russia from Turkey and Iran at the end of the 16th century, but only by the 19th century pepper became more widespread and was recognized as a significant agricultural crop. Prior to this, some scientists were inclined to call bell pepper a wild-growing false berry.

By the way, my modern name bell pepper received thanks to large-fruited varieties bred. It was made in Bulgaria, hence the designation.

Composition of bell pepper

Of course, initially it is impossible not to note the huge content of vitamin C in bell pepper. In terms of the amount of this substance, the pepper went far beyond the finish line, standing ahead of lemon, strawberry and blackcurrant. And it would seem, because sweet pepper tastes sweet, and there is many times more vitamin C in it. Well, this allows you to enjoy those who do not like sour foods and are not very friendly with their stomach, which this sourness can do a lot of harm. In turn, a substance such as the alkaloid capsaicin, which gives pepper its characteristic aftertaste, takes care of the gastric mucosa and helps in the prevention of its diseases.

There are a lot of sweet peppers and vitamins of group B and PP, as well as carotene (especially in red and yellow). All these vitamins are involved in strengthening nerve cells and activation of the brain.

The mineral composition of sweet peppers is also impressive. Potassium and magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iodine and iron - all this can be easily replenished in your body by including Bulgarian pepper in your diet.

Useful properties and contraindications

Thanks to mineral and vitamin composition, as well as a considerable fiber content, bell pepper is a real find for people suffering from problems with digestive system, as well as watching their figure. The substances contained in this product increase appetite and stimulate the work of the stomach and pancreas, which in turn allows the most productive processing of incoming food and reduces the degree of discomfort due to the use of heavy food. Thanks to this, the intestines also work more actively, ridding the body of processed products and harmful toxins, which, in turn, allows you to maintain a figure and contributes to the productive absorption of useful nutrients by the intestines.

B vitamins, as well as minerals such as magnesium, calcium and potassium contained in pepper, act as an active restorer of brain neurons, strengthen nervous system, help fight stressful conditions and prolonged depression, increase brain activity and, as a result, attention and mental performance.

Also, bell pepper is actively working to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, helps to avoid varicose veins, which means it is a prevention of the formation of vascular networks.

If there are any disturbances in the work of the sebaceous glands, then sweet peppers can also be good helpers in the fight against this problem. Avitaminosis and fluctuations blood pressure can also be eliminated through the use of bell pepper.

Despite this number useful substances, for use this product there are also contraindications. Any pathological condition in extreme form is a contraindication to the use of bell pepper. Ischemic disease or hypertension, gastritis with increased acidity, unstable mental state, problems with urinary system, and diarrhea may worsen with overuse sweet pepper. Bulgarian pepper is contraindicated for young children with an extremely immature digestive system, as it can cause diarrhea and indigestion. Enter into the diet baby food it is possible when the child's stomach has already begun to favorably perceive heavier food and rough vegetable fibers, about 3-5 years old.

Bulgarian pepper is equally useful, both for a child who has grown stronger, and for women and male body. In some cases, sweet peppers are very good for normalization. hormonal background therefore necessary for women during pregnancy.

The use of bell pepper

Of course, bell peppers are best eaten raw. Just like that or as part of salads, he brings maximum benefit our body and helps to digest other food entering the stomach. By the way, the next time you peel a bell pepper, do not rush to throw out the inner white part of it. It is in it and in the seeds that it contains the largest number vitamin C, which is necessary both to strengthen immunity in general and to maintain a healthy structure of the skin.

Apart from raw Bulgarian pepper is very successfully preserved, boiled, stewed, baked, and so on and so forth. If you have produced hot processing sweet pepper, then you can no longer worry about how it will affect your stomach.

A huge number of dishes include Bulgarian pepper in their recipe, and not only fresh, but also dry. Bell pepper When dry, it is great for adding to soups, cooking chicken and fish, as well as for blends of other seasonings.

Dried fresh peppers (not crushed) will become wonderful additions for preserving fruits and vegetables.

Bulgarian pepper is one of the products worthy special attention person. In addition, today it is a fairly popular agricultural crop that anyone can grow on their backyard plot with very little work.