Peppercorns are actually classed as berries and grow from the piper nigrum. When this is half ripe it is then harvested where the berries or peppercorns ferment and get dried by the sun which is when they turn black and brown in colour. They have a great hot pine flavour for the taste buds which can be used either as whole, crushed, cracked or ground in food.
Throughout The Centuries
The ancient Greeks used peppercorns as a currency and also as an offering to their gods.
A man’s wealth in the middle ages was measured by how much stock he had acclimated in peppercorns. It was weighed like gold is today and was used by Europeans for dowries, rent and taxes.
In the 15th century, pepper was regarded as highly important that it encouraged the spice trade which inspired the Spanish exploration. It was this exploration that eventually discovered the new world.
Storing Peppercorns
Black peppercorns if stored in a glass airtight container in a dark cupboard can last indefinitely unlike ground pepper which has a shelf life of about three months. Whereas ground pepper is instant, black pepper can be used freshly grounded to give a better flavour than the instant version.
Whole Peppercorns
Whole peppercorns should look free from blemishes and can be dropped into stews, casseroles, as well as spicy hot dishes like curry. Whole peppercorns can also be used when poaching meat, seafood or poultry to give a fuller flavour.
Cracked Black Peppercorns
Cracked black peppercorns that are crushed with the side of a steel kitchen knife can be rubbed onto chops and steaks before grilling.
Using Black Pepper in Dressings, Sauces And Marinades
When making Caesar salad dressing, sauces and marinades choose a peppermill which can grind the peppercorns coarser, this will give the dressings and marinades extra bite and texture.
Using Black Pepper In Desert Dishes
Freshly ground peppercorns using a peppermill is not just used for main dishes but can also be used for cooking deserts too. Peppercorns that are freshly ground finely can be added to gingerbread and spicy cakes too.
