The Game-Changing Way to Cut Bell Peppers: You’ll Never Go Back!

Bell peppers, a vibrant and adaptable staple, are cherished in Southern cuisine and other dishes. Although not as emblematic of Southern cooking as pimientos, bell peppers frequently take center stage as an essential component of the “holy trinity” in Southern recipes.

These vibrant members of the capsicum family come in red, orange, yellow, green, and even the rarer white, purple, and brown varieties. Sweet rather than spicy, bell peppers are packed with natural flavor—and a rather overwhelming amount of seeds.

If you’ve ever sliced into a bell pepper only to be showered with seeds, you’re not alone. It can feel like a losing battle to keep those seeds contained. But fear not! Lori Conway, creator of the blog Crazy Busy Mama, has shared a life-changing hack for cutting bell peppers, and it’s taking the internet by storm with over 9.9 million views on TikTok. Let’s dive into this brilliant technique that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner!

Why This Technique Is a Game-Changer

Many people chop bell peppers the traditional way: with the stem facing up, halving them or cutting off the sides. Though effective, this approach can result in a messy cluster of seeds and excess waste. Conway’s technique reverses the usual method, providing a tidier and more effective way to slice bell peppers.

Here’s how it works:

1. Start with the Stem: Place the bell pepper stem-side up and use a sharp knife to slice off just the top of the stem. Be careful to leave the rest of the pepper intact.
2. Flip It Over: Turn the pepper so the stem-side is now facing down on the cutting board. The grooves or divots between the rounded sections of the pepper will guide your knife.
3. Make Strategic Cuts: Using the grooves as a guide, make three or four slices from the bottom of the pepper to the top. These cuts should resemble the shape of a peace sign.
4. Pull Apart the Sections: Gently pull each section away from the stem end. You’ll notice that the seeds and membranes remain attached to the stem, leaving you with clean, seed-free pepper pieces.
5. Trim the Top: If you spot any leftover flesh near the stem, carefully slice it away to use. The remaining piece of pepper can be composted or discarded along with any stray seeds.

Why It Works

This method simplifies the process of separating the seeds from the usable part of the bell pepper. By leveraging the natural grooves of the pepper, it reduces waste and keeps your cutting board cleaner. Plus, the resulting pieces are perfectly shaped for slicing or dicing as needed.

Give It a Try!

The next time you prepare bell peppers for a recipe, consider Lori Conway’s approach. It’s fast, effective, and—most importantly—prevents those annoying seeds from escaping. Whether you’re incorporating peppers into a stir-fry, fajitas, or a satisfying Southern gumbo, this technique will help you save both time and hassle. Enjoy your cooking!