Black spot on the interior of a bell pepper - Ask Extension
Once in a blue moon when I purchase greenhouse grown bell peppers at the Giant or Wegmans, I encounter the following.
The exterior of the bell pep...
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Black spot on the interior of a bell pepper #822883
Asked March 20, 2023, 11:13 AM EDT
Once in a blue moon when I purchase greenhouse grown bell peppers at the Giant or Wegmans, I encounter the following.
The exterior of the bell pepper is pristine. However, when I cut it open there may be one or two small black spots and some of the seeds appear to be discolored. What causes the black spots and the discoloration of the seeds?
And is the pepper OK to eat if one cuts the bad areas off?
Baltimore City County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi-
The pepper is safe to eat. Pepper seeds, a few or many, can begin to decline and darken inside ripe fruits due to genetics or environmental conditions- temperature, moisture, humidity- during harvest and during storage and display through the food chain, including on your counter or in your refrigerator.
It's also possible for seeds to begin germinating inside ripe fruits, also harmless in terms of eating quality and safety:
https://news.extension.uconn.edu/2014/06/04/seeds-sprouting-inside-a-tomato/
Jon
The pepper is safe to eat. Pepper seeds, a few or many, can begin to decline and darken inside ripe fruits due to genetics or environmental conditions- temperature, moisture, humidity- during harvest and during storage and display through the food chain, including on your counter or in your refrigerator.
It's also possible for seeds to begin germinating inside ripe fruits, also harmless in terms of eating quality and safety:
https://news.extension.uconn.edu/2014/06/04/seeds-sprouting-inside-a-tomato/
Jon
