California Grown peppers grow in the Southern Desert, Southern Coast, Central Coast, and Central Valley. California farmers are responsible for over half of the nation’s fresh peppers!

Sweet peppers are peppers that are less spicy with a slightly sweet flavor. All colors of bell peppers (including mini peppers), banana peppers and Pimento peppers fall under this umbrella.

Mini peppers are still part of the sweet pepper family. They are smaller (obviously) and sweeter than their larger cousins.

In case you’re wondering, mini peppers aren’t just bell peppers that have been picked before they’ve fully matured. They’re believed to be a hybrid of wild bird peppers and traditional bell peppers.

Chile peppers are simply peppers that have some amount of “heat” or spice. Bell peppers and all sweet peppers are not spicy.

There’s not a real right or wrong answer. The spelling varies depending on where you are in the world. Latin American countries use “chile”. In Britain, “chilli” is the preferred spelling, and “chili” is used in some parts of the US. In California (and most of southwestern United States) we refer to them as chile peppers.

Cal-Mex Shakshuka

Have you ever tried Shakshuka? Our twist on the traditional Middle Eastern tomato and pepper based dish adds avocados, cilantro and Cotija cheese.

Green Chile Ham and Egg Bites

What’s your favorite grab-and-go breakfast? We’re big fans of these Green Chile Ham and Egg Bites from A Girl Defloured.

Stuffed Mini Peppers

Looking for a way to spice up your usual Wine Wednesday fare, or a craving a light healthy meal? Try our Mini Stuffed Peppers with Olives and Pepper Jack Cheese. From start to finish, you can have this delicious dish on the table in under 20 minutes!

Chili Garlic Sauce

Chili garlic sauce from California Grown Creator Kate Ramos is made with only five ingredients and is so easy there’s no reason you shouldn’t be making it from scratch at home. The taste is just like Huy Fong sauce! Serve it with dumplings or tempura vegetables, stir it into your favorite pasta or soup, spice up a beautiful plate of avocado sashimi. It’s great anywhere you want some heat!

Queso Fundido with Anaheim Chiles

We’re just going to come right out and say it – this Queso Fundido with Anaheim Chiles and Shiitake Mushrooms is easily the best cheese dip recipe ever (and one of our favorite pepper recipes, too).

Stuffed Poblano Peppers

These stuffed poblano peppers are literally filled with garden-fresh goodness. Fun fact: Our friend G-Free Foodie created this recipe for her dairy-free friends – but they’re equally delicious made with traditional Cheddar!

Blistered Garlicky Shishito Peppers

Our favorite new easy appetizer? Hola Jalapeno‘s Blistered Garlicky Shishito Peppers.

Marinated Bell Peppers

Michelle from Nom Nom Paleo keeps a batch of these marinated bell peppers handy all times. Add them to wraps, sandwiches, salads and even charcuterie boards. Bonus: this also happens to be one of the easiest pepper recipes out there!

Pesto + Red Pepper Beer Buns

Displaced Housewife makes a mean pizza, so when we came across this recipe for Pesto + Red Pepper Beer Buns, we instantly adding it to our weekend menu. You should do the same.

Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese? Yes, please! We’ll schmear this creamy spread from G-Free Foodie on pretty much anything.

Fun fact: Pimento peppers are also known as cherry peppers. Our friends at Mezzetta offer a delicious version that’s grown and packed in the Golden State.

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Our recipe for Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers is full of big, bold flavors! Loaded with tomatoes, Italian sausage, wild rice and a liberal splash of red wine, this hearty recipe is sure to be a hit with any crowd.

Peppers with Sausage, Onions & Garlic

We’re big fans of a “cook once, eat twice” situation. Whip up a batch of sausage with peppers, onions and garlic. Serve it over rice + greens the first day, then use the leftovers to make sausage sandwiches!

Cabbage Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Sauce

You’ve heard the saying “the secret’s in the sauce”? That certainly holds true for this savory cabbage roll recipe!

A Spectacular Vegetable Enchilada

This spectacular vegetable enchilada recipe is a delicious and healthy dinner option you can make any night of the week. Filled to the brim with oven-roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and beans these enchiladas are sure to satisfy.

Chile Relleno Casserole

Love Chile Relleno? This easy one-pot Cheesy Chile Relleno Casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Red Pepper Ricotta Lasagna

No-bake lasagna? We’re all in. This Red Pepper Ricotta Lasagna from Salt and Wind is the perfect summer meal.

Chicken Chile Relleno

This Chicken Chile Relleno from Hola Jalapeno is a delicious dairy-free alternative to the traditional recipe!

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

One you try this creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup from Big Delicious Life, you’ll never buy store bought again. And take our advice, don’t sleep on the grilled cheese croutons.

Aji Verde

When the The Delicious Life tells us she’s obsessed with something, we take notes. After tasting Aji Verde (Peruvian Spicy Green Sauce), we totally get it.

Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken and Veggies

Subtly sweet mini peppers are the perfect foil to tangy feta and sour lemon in this sheet pan supper from our friends at Baking the Goods.

Stuffed Polenta with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Jerry James Stone‘s Stuffed Polenta is a hearty entrée that’s full of big flavors. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your vegetarian friends – but we’re pretty certain everyone at the table will want a bite. 

Lime Pork Chops with Peppers and Onions

Caramelized Onions and Peppers take the humble pork chop to a whole new level. Yet another magnificent Whole30 recipe from our friends at No Crumbs Left!