How do you remove the inner core of a bell pepper after slicing the top off?

Question

Learn the quick way to remove the inside of a bell pepper. After slicing off the top, see how easy it is to pull out the core and seeds in one piece.

Answer 1

After slicing the top off a bell pepper, firmly press down on the stem from the inside to loosen the core, then gently pull it out. You can also use a paring knife to carefully cut around the core and remove it.

Detailed Explanation:

Removing the core of a bell pepper after slicing off the top is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Pepper: Begin by washing the bell pepper thoroughly. Place it on a cutting board.

2. Slice the Top Off: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the top of the bell pepper, removing the stem. Aim to cut a circle around the stem, leaving a wide opening.

3. Loosen the Core (Method 1 - Push): Hold the pepper firmly in one hand. With your other hand, reach inside the pepper and firmly press down on the stem from the inside. This should help loosen the core from the pepper's flesh.

4. Remove the Core (Method 1 - Push): Gently pull the core out. It should come out relatively easily if you've loosened it sufficiently.

5. Loosen the Core (Method 2 - Knife): If the core is stubborn, use a paring knife. Carefully insert the knife between the core and the pepper's flesh.

6. Remove the Core (Method 2 - Knife): Gently cut around the core, separating it from the pepper. Once you've cut all the way around, the core should be easy to remove.

7. Remove Seeds: After removing the core, inspect the inside of the pepper and remove any remaining seeds. You can do this by rinsing the pepper under cold water or using your fingers to pluck them out.

Pro Tip:

To minimize waste, try slicing the top off the pepper as close to the stem as possible without cutting into the pepper's flesh. This maximizes the usable portion of the pepper and reduces the amount you discard.