Bell Peppers vs. Capsicum — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 18, 2023
Bell peppers are sweet, colorful vegetables; "capsicum" is their name in many countries outside the U.S. Both refer to the same vegetable group without heat.
Difference Between Bell Peppers and Capsicum
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
In the United States, the term "bell peppers" is commonly used to describe these colorful, sweet vegetables that come in hues of red, yellow, green, and more. Conversely, in countries like Australia, New Zealand, India, and parts of the UK, the same vegetable is often called "capsicum."
The differentiation in naming, with "bell peppers" being prevalent in American English and "capsicum" in other forms of English, can lead to some confusion. However, whether termed bell peppers or capsicum, they belong to the Capsicum annuum species and are known for their mild, non-spicy flavor.
Interestingly, while bell peppers are distinguished for their lack of heat, other members of the Capsicum genus can be incredibly spicy. These hot varieties are not typically called bell peppers. Instead, they might be referred to as chili peppers. Yet, in some countries using the term "capsicum," distinctions are made between the sweet and spicy varieties.
When considering culinary applications, bell peppers and capsicum refer to the same ingredient, bringing a vibrant color and mild sweetness to dishes. Whether you're in a country that says bell peppers or one that says capsicum, you'll be enjoying the same delightful vegetable.
Comparison Chart
Common Usage
Predominantly in the United States
Australia, New Zealand, India, parts of the UK
ADVERTISEMENT
Spiciness
Typically non-spicy
Typically non-spicy
Belongs to Genus
Capsicum
Capsicum
Related to
Chili peppers (spicier variants of Capsicum)
Chili peppers (spicier variants of Capsicum)
Culinary Use
Adds color and mild sweetness to dishes
Adds color and mild sweetness to dishes
Compare with Definitions
Bell Peppers
A mild-flavored Capsicum variety, devoid of the heat found in chili peppers.
Despite being related, bell peppers are much milder than jalapeños.
Capsicum
The non-spicy variant of the Capsicum genus.
In the market, green capsicum was sold next to red chilies.
Bell Peppers
A crunchy vegetable often used in salads, cooking, or as a stuffed dish.
She made a delicious dish with stuffed bell peppers.
Capsicum
A common ingredient in salads, sautés, and other dishes, known for its sweet flavor.
She prefers her salads with plenty of fresh capsicum.
Bell Peppers
A sweet vegetable, part of the Capsicum genus, with a bell-like shape.
She added sliced bell peppers to the salad for a pop of color.
Capsicum
A term used for bell peppers in several countries, referring to the sweet vegetable.
He added some sliced capsicum to the pizza topping.
Bell Peppers
Non-spicy members of the Capsicum family, used in various cuisines.
Bell peppers can be grilled, stuffed, or eaten raw.
Capsicum
A colorful vegetable that enhances the visual appeal and taste of dishes.
The stir-fry had capsicum in three different colors.
Bell Peppers
Colorful vegetables that can be red, yellow, green, or even purple.
I love the vibrant hues of bell peppers in my stir-fry.
Capsicum
A bell-shaped vegetable, often stuffed or used as a pizza topping.
I ordered a capsicum and cheese pizza for dinner.
Capsicum
Any of various tropical American pepper plants of the genus Capsicum, especially any of the numerous cultivated forms of the species C. annuum and C. frutescens.
Capsicum
The fruit of any of these plants, especially the dried pungent types used as a condiment and in medicine.
Capsicum
Any of several tropical American plants, of the genus Capsicum, principally the species Capsicum annuum and Capsicum frutescens, that are cultivated as edible peppers.
Capsicum
The spicy fruit of the above plants, the bell pepper.
Capsicum
A genus of plants of many species, producing capsules or dry berries of various forms, which have an exceedingly pungent, biting taste, and when ground form the red or Cayenne pepper of commerce.
Capsicum
Any plant of the genus Capsicum (of the Solanaceae family, which are unrelated to Piper), and its fruit; red pepper; chili pepper; as, the bell pepper and the jalapeno pepper (both Capsicum annuum) and the habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense); .
Capsicum
Any of various tropical plants of the genus Capsicum bearing peppers
Common Curiosities
Are bell peppers and capsicum the same?
Yes, "bell peppers" and "capsicum" refer to the same sweet, non-spicy vegetable, just named differently in various regions.
Why are they called bell peppers in the U.S.?
They are called "bell peppers" in the U.S. due to their bell-like shape.
Do both bell peppers and capsicum come in various colors?
Yes, both bell peppers and capsicum can be found in colors like red, green, yellow, and more.
Why might one prefer to use bell peppers or capsicum in cooking?
Bell peppers or capsicum add vibrant colors and a mild, sweet flavor to dishes.
Are capsicum and bell peppers nutritious?
Yes, both capsicum and bell peppers are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, and other nutrients.
Can bell peppers and capsicum be eaten raw?
Absolutely, both bell peppers and capsicum can be consumed raw, often in salads.
Is there a difference in taste between different colored bell peppers or capsicum?
Yes, while all are generally sweet, red bell peppers or capsicum tend to be the sweetest, and green ones slightly more bitter.
Are bell peppers spicy?
No, bell peppers are the non-spicy members of the Capsicum family.
What countries predominantly use the term "capsicum"?
Countries like Australia, New Zealand, India, and parts of the UK often use the term "capsicum."
How are bell peppers different from chili peppers?
While both belong to the Capsicum genus, bell peppers are mild and sweet, whereas chili peppers are often spicy.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Formal Writing vs. Informal Writing
Next Comparison
Slim Fit vs. Regular FitAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
