Peppers belong to the Solanaceae (nightshade family), which includes several cultivated crops such as the tomato, eggplant, potato, and petunia. The scientific name of bell peppers is Capsicum annuum, which are characterized by their smooth, glossy exterior of green, red, yellow, purple, or orange colors. While bell peppers are classically considered a non-starchy vegetable, botanical definition classify them a fruit.