Black pepper

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a flowering plant in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit, known as a peppercorn, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning. When fresh and fully mature, the fruit is about 5 mm in diameter and dark red, and contains a single seed, like all drupes.

History

Black pepper is native to present-day Kerala in South India, and is extensively cultivated there and elsewhere in tropical regions. The history of black pepper is intertwined with the history of the spice trade.

Cultivation and production

Black pepper is a tropical vine with beautiful, heart-shaped leaves, a pepper vine can grow up to 10 meters (33 feet) in height. The most important commercial variety of black pepper is 'Kuching' (also known as 'Kuching Sembilan'), which is a high-yielding, early-maturing, and disease-resistant variety.

Processing

Peppercorns are harvested when they are nearly ripe and just turning red. They are then left to dry, which causes them to shrivel and become dark in colour. Black pepper is often ground into a powder that is used in cooking or taken medicinally.

Uses

Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices worldwide. It’s made by grinding peppercorns, which are dried berries from the vine Piper nigrum. It has a sharp and mildly spicy flavor that goes well with many dishes. But black pepper is more than just a kitchen staple. It has been deemed the “king of spices” and used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years due to its high concentration of potent, beneficial plant compounds.

Health benefits

Black pepper and its active compound piperine may have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Laboratory studies suggest that black pepper may improve cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, and brain and gut health.

See also

• White pepper
• Green pepper
• Pink pepper
• Long pepper
• Pepper spray
• Peppercorn (legal)