Peppercorn Uses and Types
Sep 4th 2022 by Viva Doria Admin
Peppercorns come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, but the most popular types are black and pink peppercorns. Both are made from the same plant--the pepper plant--but they have different growing and production processes that lead to their unique appearances and flavor profiles. Read on to learn more about these unique spices, including their health benefits, uses, and types.
What are peppercorns?
Peppercorns are the small, dried fruit of the Piper nigrum plant. They can be black, pink, or white in color. Black peppercorn is harvested before they ripen and have a sharp, biting flavor. Sweet pink peppercorn is harvested when they are half-ripe and have a sweet-spicy flavor.
White peppercorn is fully ripe when harvested and have a milder flavor than black or pink peppercorns. Green peppercorn is unripe fruit that is preserved in vinegar or brine.
Szechuan peppercorn is actually the dried berries of the prickly ash tree and has a numbing effect on the tongue.
The green peppercorn also comes from a vine with the same name, but they are picked while still green and unripe. Green peppercorn has a peppery taste with hints of citrus.
Tellicherry peppercorns come from India and have been prized for their delicate aroma and smooth texture since the 17th century. These rare peppers only grow in certain areas of India's Western Ghats Mountain Range. The berries take between three to four years to mature and are picked by hand. The production process is time-consuming and costly; it involves washing, drying, roasting, crushing, and packing each pepper by hand. Because of this high cost, Tellicherry peppercorns are some of the most expensive spices in the world.
Read More: The Tellicherry Pepper: A Guide to the World's Finest Peppercorn
Read More: 3 Ways to Cook with Tellicherry Peppercorns
How black peppercorn is made
Black peppercorn is made by picking the unripe berries off the pepper plant. The berries are then dried in the sun or in a dehydrator until they turn black. Once they're black, they're ready to be used as a spice. Szechuan peppercorn is made from the dried fruit of the prickly ash tree. The berries are dried and then ground into a powder. This powder can be used to flavor food or to make tea. Pink peppercorns come from an entirely different plant than black peppercorns and they taste sweeter. A lot of people like to use them instead of regular pepper because it adds a different level of flavor to dishes without overwhelming them.
What is sweet pink peppercorn?
Sweet pink peppercorn is a dried berry that comes from the Peruvian pepper tree. The fruit of the tree is actually green when it’s fresh, but it turns pink as it dries. These days, you can find pink peppercorns in many different cuisines. They have a slightly sweet flavor with hints of spice, making them a versatile ingredient. There are four types of pink peppercorns available to purchase. Tellicherry peppercorns are grown in India and Sri Lanka. Sarawak pepper is grown in Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Maraschino peppers come from the Mediterranean region while Malabar peppers originate from southwest India or Sri Lanka.
The use of peppercorns
Peppercorns are the berries of the pepper plant and can be used in many different ways. Black peppercorns are typically used as a spice, while pink peppercorns are often used as a decoration or garnish. Peppercorns can be purchased whole or ground and should be stored in a cool, dry place. When using peppercorns for cooking, remember to add them at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
Pepper is a seasoning that has long been used throughout history for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Originally from India and Southeast Asia, it spread all over the world after being introduced by Arab traders to Europe in the 13th century. Today it is so common that it’s even found on pizza!
The most popular way to use these spices is in a salt grinder or with other spices on a cutting board when cooking meat or fish dishes. You can also try sprinkling them on eggs, salads, vegetables, or even popcorn!
Where to buy it?
You can find peppercorns at our online store Viva Doria. We carry all the different types of peppercorns including black peppercorn, Szechuan peppercorn, white peppercorn, green peppercorn, and more. When it comes to stocking your spice cabinet, quality matters. And that's why you should buy your peppercorns from Viva Doria.
Also Read: The Complete Guide to Peppercorns and the Unique Mouth-Watering Flavors
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