🫑 Are Bell Peppers Male or Female? The Truth Behind the Bumps

What Does the Number of Bumps Mean?
The number of lobes at the base of a bell pepper is simply a natural variation that depends on:
The pepper variety
Environmental growing conditions
The way it develops on the plant
Some bell pepper cultivars tend to produce three-lobed fruit, others four — but that’s not a gender trait. It’s just plant genetics and growth patterns.
🧑‍🍳 Is There a Difference in Taste or Use?
While some swear by a difference in sweetness or firmness depending on the number of lobes, there’s no consistent correlation. What does affect flavor and texture is:

Ripeness: Green peppers are less sweet; red, orange, and yellow ones are sweeter and more tender.

Freshness: Firmer peppers are crisper and better raw, while softer ones are good for cooking.

Variety: Some bell peppers are bred to be sweeter or thicker-fleshed.

🧠 Pro Tip
If you’re prepping stuffed peppers, those with flatter bottoms (often with four lobes) may stand up better in a baking dish. But that’s about structure — not sex!