Editor’s Note: This story was published in PMG magazine. Flip through this issue and others on PMG’s digital editions page.
Peppers not only pack a punch of nutrition, they look good too. These capsicums, specifically bell peppers, are one of the most colorful highlights of the produce section. The varieties can take center stage of your department. And the versatility of this vegetable means many pairings are possible for powerful displays.
Highlight nutrition
There’s no doubt that peppers of all varieties are filled with flavor and nutrition. Many of the shoppers I speak with don’t realize what a great source bell peppers are for vitamin C. One cup of bell peppers is 123% of our USDA-recommended daily intake. Consider highlighting this nutrient fact in your displays.
Ease of use
Some of the easiest produce items to prepare are the items that don’t require peeling. Peppers are a notable example of simple washing and slicing. Display pictures next to your peppers for simple step-by-step ways to prepare them. For instance, “Slice, Pop and Pull: Slice the top, pop out the stem and pull out the seeds!”
No-cook dishes
When sliced into strips, bell peppers are the perfect size for dipping in hummus or any dressing. Pair peppers on a refrigerated display alongside cold dressing and hummus to create a no-cook-style display for customers.
Chop peppers to make a Cowboy Caviar-style pico de gallo dish, which is a mixture of peppers, corn, tomatoes and seasoning. This can be a great combination of fresh produce and center-store canned goods to show pairings from a variety of store departments. Create a shoppable recipe with these ingredients to get customers excited about making this easy dish at home.
Use as a seasoning
Bell peppers are one-third of what’s known as the “trinity” in the South, especially in Cajun and Creole cooking, where it’s called “holy trinity.” Trinity seasoning is comprised of bell peppers, onions and celery. Creating a display of these items together along with a Cajun recipe would be a fun idea to draw interest to peppers.
Kickin’ kebabs
As the warmer weather and grilling season approaches, using bell peppers as a delicious addition to kebabs is a simple way to make veggie-forward, ready-to-cook items for customers. Combine the bell pepper slices with mushrooms, tomatoes, onions and zucchini. Any color of bell peppers can work for this combination. Display fan-favorite marinades and sauces that will pair well with kebabs.
Bell peppers are so versatile and pair well items in every grocery store department. These beauties can increase sales when paired appropriately, highlighting recipes and ready-to-cook items such as assembled kebabs. With its vibrant color and friendly (not spicy-hot) flavor, bell peppers will light up the department and get customers excited. Keep these ideas for easy use in mind when talking with shoppers.
April Sins is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a master’s degree in health care management. She is the full-time corporate retail dietitian for Rouses Markets, and she connects with customers across the market area through social media videos, local news network, local cooking classes and event, and a monthly digital newsletter.
