Black Pepper

Guide Note

Black pepper comes from the berry clusters called peppercorns that form on the pepper plant. The pepper plant is a woody vine that grows up to 33 feet tall and is found in hot, humid, and tropical climates. The peppercorns are picked when they are half ripe and dried. Black pepper is the most flavorful of all the types of pepper and is available as whole peppercorns, half peppercorns or as a powder.

Black pepper is one of the most popular spices in the world and has a long history. Records show black pepper being traded from south Asia dating back to 4000 years. Black pepper was such an important trade item that if single peppercorn were dropped on the floor it would be searched for like a lost pearl. Black pepper has also been used over the centuries for traditional medicinal purposes.

Fast Facts

1. Native to South India
2. Used as a spice since the prehistoric era
3. Middle Ages: Used to conceal the rotten taste of meat
4. Best ground directly onto food
5. Referred to as the King of Spices and Master Spice
6. Flavor and aroma: Hot
7. Can be stored for many years without losing flavor or aroma
8. Used to be so valuable it was used as currency
9. 3rd most added ingredient to recipes
10. Makes up for 1/4 of the worlds spice trade
11. Effective against insects when mixed with water and sprayed