04 February 2010

Pepper Specificity

Something I've encountered many times (and still not able to get over) since living in Utah is the incorrect term people use for bell peppers. Folks, they are bell peppers. They are not green peppers. Many, many, many peppers are green. The specific pepper that is very commonly used in American cuisine because of its mild flavor is the green bell pepper. Other green peppers include the poblano (used to make chile rellenos) and the anaheim.

Furthermore, red bell peppers are not simply "red peppers." There are a gazillion different types of red peppers. (In fact, most green peppers also come in a red variety). Below are featured a red serrano and a red bell.

Consider yourself educated. If you ever refer to green peppers or red peppers around me, I will ask that you specify what kind of pepper you mean.

P.S. All Kiwis may kindly disregard this post since you call bell peppers by an entirely different name. (Capsicum in case you non-Kiwis were curious).


Matt said...

I usually side with you on things like this, but I think this time you've gone too far. "Red/green pepper" has become a compound noun specifically referring to certain types of pepper. C.f. "blackboard"



Packrat said...

Guilty, because if I'm referring to any pepper other than a bell pepper, it becomes a "jalapeno" or "a can of chopped green chili peppers", etc.

Jillian said...

They would always call it a mix like "green bell peppers" or "red bell peppers" at the deli.

Oh, and I definitely agree that dried onions are not the same. So true. I do like the way it smells different than fresh onions. It's like comparing two completely different things... in a way :)

Matt said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
trishtator said...

I just want to eat them. All.