🌿 spicesEasy to use
Black Pepper
South India (Kerala)Available year-roundSharp, pungent, earthy
Did You Know?
Black pepper was once so valuable it was used as currency and to pay taxes. Ancient Roman soldiers received part of their pay in pepper — the Latin word 'salary' relates to payment in salt, but pepper was equally prized.
Overview
South India (Kerala) · Available year-round · spices
Black pepper is the world's most traded spice, made from dried unripe berries of Piper nigrum. It adds sharp heat and complex, earthy, citrusy flavor to almost any dish.
South India (Kerala)
Origin
Available year-round
Season
Easy
Difficulty
spices
Category
Flavor Profile
Sharppungentearthycitrusyslightly woody heat
Storage Tips
Store whole peppercorns in airtight container up to 5 years. Ground pepper loses flavor quickly — use within 3–4 months.
Photo Gallery
How to Cook with Black Pepper
Recipes, pairings, substitutes, and professional tips
Cooking Tips
Grind fresh for maximum aroma. Add at end of cooking to preserve volatile oils. Use whole in stocks, brines, and marinades.
Best Pairings
steakcreamlemongarlicparmesanchocolatestrawberry
Substitutes
White pepper, grains of paradise, Szechuan pepper
Nutrition & Health Benefits
The nutritional profile and health properties of Black Pepper
Nutrition Highlights
fat
3.3
carbs
63.9
fiber
25.3
protein
10.4
calories
255
manganese
178% DV
vitamin_k
163% DV
Quick Facts
Categoryspices
OriginSouth India (Kerala)
SeasonAvailable year-round
DifficultyEasy
Health Benefits
Contains piperine which enhances bioavailability of nutrients (especially turmeric's curcumin by 2000%). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Black Pepper Photos
5 photos showcasing Black Pepper in its many forms
🌿
Black Pepper
spices
OriginSouth India (Kerala)
SeasonAvailable year-round
DifficultyEasy
Flavor Notes
Sharppungentearthycitrusyslightly woody heat
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Pairs Well With
steakcreamlemongarlicparmesanchocolatestrawberry
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