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 Recognized as the worlds' most popular
spice, pepper was once so rare and valuable, it was sometimes
used as currency. A major commodity in Europe during the Middle
Ages pepper was not only used as a seasoning, but also as a preservative
and as a medicine.
The pungent spice comes from
berries produced by a perennial climbing evergreen vine called
Piper nigrum, a native plant to India and Indonesia. Although
pepper has been noted in writings that are over 3,000 years old,
the cultivation of pepper began in Indonesia around 100 B.C.
The berry is processed to produce
three basic types of peppercorn — black, white and green.
For black peppercorns, the most common of the three, berries
are picked while still green and then dried, causing the skin
to shrivel and change to a deep brown or black, while the core
remains light in color. It is the strongest flavored of the three.
White peppercorns are produced from mature berries. After harvesting,
their skins are removed and the berries are dried. The result
is a smaller peppercorn that is light-tan in color with a milder
flavor. White pepper is most often used for its appearance, or
lack thereof, in light-colored sauces or foods where dark specks
of black pepper would undesirably stand out. The green peppercorn
is the soft, under-ripe berry that's usually preserved in brine.
It has a fresh flavor that's less pungent than the black or white
peppercorn.
With its variety of forms, pepper
is used to enhance the flavor of both savory and sweet dishes.
Because it stimulates gastric juices, it delivers a digestive
bonus as well. With all the pleasure and benefit pepper provides,
it's no wonder that it is the worlds' most popular spice!
Pepper Tips:
- Freshly ground pepper has a
sharper, more lively flavor than the pre-ground variety.
- Whole dried peppercorns can
be stored in a cool, dark place for about a year; ground pepper
will keep its flavor for about 4 months.
- To avoid flavor loss, store
ground pepper in a cool, dry place.
- When purchasing a pepper mill
(a hand-held grinder), look for one that can be adjusted to produce
fine or coarse grinds.
- An electric spice or coffee
grinder comes in handy to easily grind peppercorns in larger
quantities, when needed.
- Remember, the finer the grind,
the shorter the storage life for ground pepper.
Perfectly Peppered
Recipes:
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