Bell peppers are large, mild peppers that come in several colors, including green, red, and yellow. They have a crisp, juicy texture when raw and become tender and sweeter when cooked. In eastern cooking, they are often sliced into stir-fries, curries, and other vegetable dishes, where they add color and a gentle sweetness. Native to the Americas, they spread to Asia after the Columbian exchange and are now common in many regional cuisines.