Peppercorn

Peppercorn

pep·per·corn

Believe it or not, black pepper is the world’s most traded spice!

It played an important role in the early spice trade and was named “black gold”. It was used as a form of currency which was very valuable in those days.

Origin: Pepper remains one of the most used spices around the world. It originated in Kerala, India located on the Malabar coast where Black pepper gets the name Malabar pepper. Today, Vietnam is one of the world’s largest exporters of black peppercorns followed by Indonesia, India and Brazil.

Peppers come from a flowering vine plant which is cultivated for its fruit. Depending on the drying process, the fruit berry produces a variety of colors of peppers.

For example, black pepper is cooked and dried unripe fruit whereas green pepper is dried unripe fruit and white pepper is derived from ripe fruit seeds.

Recipes: All these peppers vary in taste and used in various cuisines.

White pepper is known to be used in Chinese and Thai cuisines as in this Salt and Pepper Chicken.

White pepper is also used when making white cream sauces or mashed potatoes, so the pepper isn’t visible. That’s pretty tricky!

Green peppers are used in French cooking. Peppercorn cream sauce can be used as a topping on a seasoned roasted chicken or steak. 

For the freshest flavor, try to ground your own pepper using a grinder.

Medicinal Cures:

Pepper is known to have several cures such as constipation and improves digestion. It also has several other uses that can help treat arthritis, malaria and toothaches.

Another cure is black pepper is known to help clear congestion and provide relief for a cold, cough and sinus congestion. Try making some black pepper tea for relief for your throat. Try making some black pepper tea for relief for your throat.

Boil these ingredients:

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 cups of water

teaspoon of lemon juice (optional)

tablespoon of honey (optional)

1 teaspoon fresh or powdered ginger

Beauty Uses:

Black pepper is known to fight premature aging, wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots. It can be used as an exfoliator for smoother skin by adding peppercorns to a natural face mask.

Next time you sit at the table, add some black pepper to your dish! You'll walk away looking younger!

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_pepper

http://theepicentre.com/spice/pepper/

https://www.top10homeremedies.com/kitchen-ingredients/top-10-health-benefits-black-pepper.html

https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-black-pepper/#gref