Colourful peppercorns
The pepper plant is a climbing vine that produces large clusters of small berries, whose colour varies according to their degree of ripeness. Green pepper comes from unripened berries. Its mild, fruity aroma allows it to be used both fresh and dried. Black pepper, which is more pungent, is harvested just before reaching full maturity. Through our clear grinders, its corns appear wrinkled… That is simply because they have dried in the sun, which has also darkened their colour. As for what is known as "grey" pepper, it is actually pre-ground black pepper! Red pepper, which is very intense, comes from fully ripe berries dried away from light. Finally, white pepper, which is very delicate, is obtained from the ripe fruit: once stripped of their outer husk, the corns reveal their inner pale colour.
Does that ring a bell? Yes indeed, tea of course, with its colours – black, green, white – determined by its level of oxidation!
Pepper, a spice with many benefits
An ancient commodity originating from Asia and more specifically India, pepper takes its name from the Sanskrit "pippali", which later became "piper" in Latin. Nowadays mainly grown in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brazil, it served for a long time as currency, like many other spices. Did you know? It is from this practice that the French expression "payer en espèces" (to pay in cash) originated, which was originally "payer en épices" (to pay in spices). Having remained particularly rare and expensive for a long time, pepper was carefully preserved and ground only right before use to retain all its aromas. A sensible custom that remains rooted in culinary traditions today: a pepper mill is essential in any self-respecting kitchen!
An essential ingredient
While it is commonly used to season all kinds of hot and cold dishes, it is because pepper has a very distinctive flavour. It adds a piquant kick to vegetables, as well as fish and meat, thanks to a substance called piperine, which creates a warming sensation on the palate. Some recipes put it fully in the spotlight, such as peppercorn sauce. Others use it more sparingly, like in salads, terrines, or barbecued dishes. Another chef's tip: to ensure it retains all its aromas, it is best not to expose pepper to excessively high heat, but rather to add it right at the end of cooking
Discover Tchaï of the Tiger, our chai tea with pepper notes
Pepper is also a prime ingredient for enhancing spiced teas! Discover its warm aromas by savouring Tchaï of the Tiger, a delicious certified organic blend created by Kusmi Tea, which pairs it with a premium black tea also delicately spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom.