🌶️ Top 10 Producer

Peppers

From sweet bells to fiery hot — peppers have more Vitamin C than oranges.

🌶️ Red bell peppers have 3× more Vitamin C than oranges
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About This Crop

NC Peppers

North Carolina is a significant producer of both sweet bell peppers and hot varieties, with peppers playing an important role in the state's diverse vegetable industry. NC has a particular strength in hot peppers, which feed the state's beloved hot sauce and barbecue traditions. What surprises most people: a single red bell pepper contains nearly three times the Vitamin C of an orange, making peppers one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables you can eat.

Why It's Good For You

Health Benefits

Immune Powerhouse

Red bell peppers contain nearly 3× the Vitamin C of an orange — one of the highest concentrations of any vegetable.

Metabolism Support

Capsaicin — the compound that makes hot peppers spicy — has been shown to temporarily boost metabolism and reduce appetite.

Eye Health

Rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, peppers help protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Heart Health

Vitamins A, C, and E work together to reduce oxidative stress and support long-term cardiovascular health.

Key Nutrients

Nutrition Highlights

Per typical serving — % values are approximate Daily Values.

Vitamin C
317% DV
Vitamin A
93% DV
Vitamin B6
33% DV
Vitamin K
11% DV
Folate
11% DV

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — particularly red bell peppers. One medium red bell pepper contains about 190mg of Vitamin C compared to roughly 70mg in a medium orange. Green bell peppers and hot peppers also beat oranges on Vitamin C, though by a smaller margin.

Capsaicin — a chemical compound that binds to pain receptors in your mouth, triggering a burning sensation. It is concentrated in the white pith and seeds inside the pepper. Removing those before cooking significantly reduces heat.

Green, yellow, orange, and red bell peppers are the same pepper at different stages of ripeness. As they ripen, they get sweeter, their Vitamin C content rises sharply, and their antioxidant levels increase significantly. Red peppers are the most nutritious of the four.

NC peppers peak July through September. That is when you will find the widest variety and the best prices at local farm stands and farmers markets across the state.

Keep Exploring

Discover More NC Vegetables

See All NC Crops