What is Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)?
Black Pepper is a widely-used and versatile spice that is derived from the small, dark-colored berries of the pepper plant (Piper Nigrum). The dried, small, and hard berries are typically ground up into a fine powder to be added to various dishes for flavor. Black pepper has a rich and woody flavor profile which adds a pleasant and slightly spicy flavor to a wide range of dishes from chicken and fish, to pasta and stir-fry. It has also been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, such as relieving congestion, combating high blood pressure, and reducing inflammation.
What does Black Pepper taste like?
Black Pepper has a distinctively strong, sharp, and slightly biting flavour and aroma which is often described as pungent. It has an earthy, woody, and slightly hot flavor that can often be found in an array of dishes and recipes. Black Pepper is an essential ingredient for many meals, as its unique flavor can pack a punch to whatever it is added too. It is most commonly used to season dishes with a peppery bite, and is often called the “King of Spices”.
What dishes do you find Black Pepper in?
Black Pepper is widely used in many different well-known dishes from various cultures. In India, it is a common spice used in curries, the most popular of which is Chicken Tikka Masala. Another Indian classic that uses Black Pepper is Mulligatawny Soup, a spiced curry soup that is eaten with rice. In Chinese cuisine, one of the most common dishes is Kung Pao Chicken, which is made with Black Pepper, chili peppers, and other spices. American cuisine also makes use of Black Pepper in many popular dishes. Steak au Poivre is a steak dish where cube-cut steak is seared with crushed Black Pepper, usually finished with a brandy and cream sauce. Black Pepper is also the defining flavor in an Italian classic, the Fettuccini Alfredo.