Shop Little Guyana
  • Shop
  • Recipes
    • Beverages
    • Meat
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Goat
      • Lamb
      • Pork
    • Seafood
      • Fish
    • Snacks
    • Fruit & Vegetables
    • Soup
  • Ingredients
    • Baking Ingredients
    • Beverages
    • Prepared Foods
    • Pantry Items
    • Pasta, Grains, & Beans
    • Spices & Seasonings
  • Equipment
    • Cookware
    • Small Appliances
    • Tools & Gadgets
  • Learn
    • How-To Series
    • Tips & FAQs
    • Science Behind
  • Local Spotlights
    • Business Reviews
    • Events
    • Travel
  • All Posts
  • My Interests
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Notification
Shop Little GuyanaShop Little Guyana
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • Shop
  • All Posts
  • My Interests
  • Recipes
  • Equipment
  • Ingredients
  • Learn
  • Local Spotlights
Search
  • Shop
  • Recipes
    • Beverages
    • Meat
    • Seafood
    • Snacks
    • Fruit & Vegetables
    • Soup
  • Ingredients
    • Baking Ingredients
    • Beverages
    • Prepared Foods
    • Pantry Items
    • Pasta, Grains, & Beans
    • Spices & Seasonings
  • Equipment
    • Cookware
    • Small Appliances
    • Tools & Gadgets
  • Learn
    • How-To Series
    • Tips & FAQs
    • Science Behind
  • Local Spotlights
    • Business Reviews
    • Events
    • Travel

Explore, Savor, and Create

Check out the latest!
Maarouk

How To Make Ma’arouk (Semolina Bread)

Halawet El Jibn

How To Make Halawet El Jibn (Sweet Cheese Rolls)

Man’oushe

How To Make Man’oushe (Lebanese Flatbread)

Stay Connected

Find us on socials
FacebookLike
PinterestPin
InstagramFollow
© Shop Little Guyana. All rights reserved.
Shop Little Guyana > Blog > Ingredients > Spices & Seasonings > Black Pepper
Spices & Seasonings

Black Pepper

The humble black peppercorns in the grinder next to your salt.

Tom Rose
Last updated: June 8, 2024 5:57 pm
By Tom Rose
No Comments
8 Min Read
Share
Disclosure: This website may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. Your support is appreciated!
SHARE

Black pepper, known scientifically as Piper nigrum or piper pepper, hails from the Malabar Coast of India and has been spicing up our lives for over two thousand years. It might seem like a simple seasoning, but these little dried berries pack a punch in both flavor and health benefits. Let’s dive into the rich history, versatile uses, and incredible health benefits of this beloved spice.

Contents
Where Does Black Pepper Come From?Pepper VarietiesBlack Pepper’s Health BenefitsOur Black Pepper Recommendations

Where Does Black Pepper Come From?

Black pepper is the dried berry of a flowering vine called Piper nigrum, which fruits in clusters like grapes. These berries, once dried, become the black peppercorns we all know and love.

Black Pepper’s History

The humble black peppercorns in the grinder next to your salt, the same ones you might crush over your Caesar salad, use to encrust a steak, toast for cacio e pepe, or sprinkle on scrambled eggs, have never been better in quality or more available to home cooks around the world.

- Advertisement -

This was not always so. Pepper was once expensive, rare, and incredibly in-demand, so highly prized that in 410 A.D., Visigoths demanded 3,000 pounds of black pepper as part of their ransom for the city of Rome. Pepper powered the economies of entire nations. It was one of the driving forces of a spice trade that led to the oppressive system of European colonialism and its lingering historical consequences for huge swaths of humanity.

Black Pepper Today

Today, black pepper remains the most popular spice on the planet, accounting for such a large part of the global spice trade that you can track its price as a commodity alongside wheat, corn, and rice. According to market research company IMARC, in 2021, the black pepper market was valued at $3.9 billion, with projections that it will grow to $5.4 billion by 2027. And yet, now that pepper is never that far away from our fingertips, it is too often underappreciated.

Pepper Varieties

While ground black pepper is the most common, there are some special varieties to try:

Peppercorn variety
Peppercorn variety
  • Tellicherry Black Pepper: Known for its large size and robust flavor.
  • Malabar Black Pepper: Offers fruity and floral notes.
  • Smoked Black Pepper: Adds a unique smoky aroma, perfect for grilled dishes.
  • Black Hungarian: A rare variety with a unique flavor profile.
  • Black Naga: An exceptionally spicy variety that packs a serious punch.

Black Pepper’s Health Benefits

Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that gives it that signature bite. A 2023 study in Aging and Disease highlighted piperine’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Plus, piperine boosts the bioavailability of essential vitamins and minerals – making black pepper a tasty way to enhance your diet.

Black Peppercorns
Black Peppercorns
  • Boosts Antioxidant Absorption: Pair black pepper with antioxidant-rich foods to enhance their benefits. A 2019 study showed that piperine could boost the absorption of antioxidants like curcumin in turmeric by nearly 2,000%. Black pepper activates turmeric, making your meals tastier and more nutritionally potent.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Piperine’s anti-inflammatory properties may help manage conditions like arthritis and heart disease. It’s a small addition with big benefits.
  • Supports Brain Health: Piperine might also help protect your brain. Studies suggest it could reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, keeping your mind sharp.

More Read

Dried Chili Peppers on Plate
Red Pepper Flakes
Cumin (Jeera)
Turmeric
Masala 
The World of Curry Powders

Black Pepper in Your Diet

Black pepper is a culinary chameleon, perfect for both savory and sweet dishes. It pairs beautifully with garlic, onion, and other spices. Add it to your spice blends like garam masala or curry powder. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over salads, pasta, grilled meats, or roasted veggies to elevate your flavors.

  • Season Your Salads: A dash of ground black pepper on your salads adds a flavor boost.
  • Add to Soups and Stews: Enhance the taste of your soups and stews with a sprinkle of black pepper.
  • Pair with Turmeric: Studies show that combining black pepper with turmeric increases the absorption of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Sprinkle on Veggies: Roasted or steamed veggies taste even better with a touch of black pepper.
  • Black Pepper and Honey: Mix black pepper with honey for a sweet and spicy kick that’s great for marinades or even as a topping for toast.
  • Black Pepper in Water: Try adding a pinch of black pepper to your water for a refreshing and health-boosting drink.

Our Black Pepper Recommendations

From ancient trade routes to modern kitchens, black pepper continues to captivate our taste buds and inspire our culinary creativity. Whether you’re seasoning a savory dish or adding a hint of spice to a sweet treat, black pepper’s bold flavor and health benefits make it a must-have in any kitchen. Check out our recommendations.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Shop Little Guyana participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. This helps us continue to provide valuable content and recommendations to our readers while supporting our business. Rest assured, our reviews and recommendations are always based on our honest opinions, and we only promote products and services that we genuinely believe will benefit our audience. Thank you for your support!

McCormick Pure Ground Black Pepper

McCormick Pure Ground Black Pepper

McCormick’s black pepper is a household staple. It offers consistent quality and a robust flavor that enhances any dish. Perfect for everyday use, it’s a reliable choice for adding that classic black pepper kick to your meals.
Flavor Profile: Bold and flavorful with a slightly fruity note

Check Price

Simply Organic Ground Black Pepper

Simply Organic Ground Black Pepper

Simply Organic provides a pure, unadulterated black pepper that’s both high in quality and ethically sourced. USDA-certified organic, this pepper offers a depth of flavor that’s perfect for seasoning your favorite dishes.
Flavor Profile: Rich, earthy flavor with a hint of citrus

Check Price
Frontier Co-op Medium Ground Black Pepper

Frontier Co-op Ground Black Pepper

Frontier Co-op’s black pepper is not only delicious but also supports sustainable farming practices. Fair trade and non-GMO, it’s a great choice for those who want to enjoy superior quality while being kind to the planet.
Flavor Profile: Fresh, sharp taste with a complex aroma

Check Price

Find Us on Social

FacebookLike
PinterestPin
InstagramFollow
- Advertisement -
TAGGED:black pepperpeppercorns
Share This Article
Facebook Pinterest Whatsapp Whatsapp Reddit Email Print
Leave a Comment Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Explore More

You may also like
Close-Up Shot of Coriander

Coriander (Cilantro)

cilantro coriander
Guyanese Green Seasoning

Guyanese Green Seasoning Recipe

green seasoning
Fresh Ginger Roots and Powder

Ginger

ginger ginger paste
Garlic Powder

Garlic Powder

Garlic garlic powder
Show More
Shop Little Guyana

Shop Little Guyana – is your go-to destination for a taste of home. Indulge in the flavors, embrace the traditions, and embark on a cultural journey.

Quick Links

  • Home
  • All Posts
  • Shop
  • My Interests

About Us

  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

© Shop Little Guyana. All rights reserved.