Bell Pepper
0 SHU · Capsicum annuum
SweetHeat range
0 to 0 SHU. Typical: 0 SHU.
Individual peppers vary within this range based on growing conditions, ripeness, and genetic variation. See the Scoville scale guide for why the range matters.
Flavor and character
Bell Pepper has flavors of sweet, crisp, vegetal, slightly bitter when green.
The bell pepper is the baseline of the Scoville scale at zero heat units. It contains no capsaicin due to a recessive gene that disables capsaicinoid production. Green bells are harvested unripe and taste slightly bitter; red, yellow, and orange bells are fully ripe and significantly sweeter. Bell peppers are among the most widely consumed peppers globally and are a major source of vitamin C. They work in virtually any cuisine and are the reference point for understanding what a pepper tastes like without any heat at all.
How it’s used
Bell Pepper is commonly used in salads, stir-fry, stuffed peppers, roasting, raw snacking.
What to use instead
These substitutions match heat, not flavor. Flavor character changes substantially between peppers. For custom quantities, use the substitution calculator.
Compare with another pepper
Other peppers to explore
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Bell Pepper compared to a jalapeño?
Bell Pepper has no heat at all — 0 SHU. A jalapeño at 5,000 SHU is infinitely hotter.
What does Bell Pepper taste like?
Bell Pepper has flavors of sweet, crisp, vegetal, slightly bitter when green. Beyond the heat, these flavor notes distinguish it from other peppers at similar Scoville ratings.
Can I grow Bell Pepper at home?
Yes. Bell Pepper grows well in USDA zones 7+ and can be grown in containers in cooler zones. Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Full sun, moderate water, and well-drained soil produce the best results.
Is Bell Pepper hotter than Shishito?
No. Shishito at 100 SHU typical is hotter than Bell Pepper at 0 SHU. Compare them side by side on the comparison tool.
What's a good substitute for Bell Pepper?
The closest substitutes are Poblano. These share similar heat ranges and compatible flavor profiles. For exact quantity ratios, use the substitution calculator.
What is Bell Pepper's Scoville rating?
Bell Pepper ranges from 0 to 0 SHU, with a typical measurement of 0 SHU. This range reflects natural variation in capsaicin production due to growing conditions, ripeness, and genetics.