Organic Ground Black Pepper Cracked Grind

Black pepper, botanical name Piper nigrum, is from the family Piperaceae and is indigenous to the western coast of south India. A flowering vine that is cultivated for its fruit, and the fruit when dried is better known as a peppercorn. ‘Pepper' is the more ubiquitous name given to both the whole peppercorn and the ground peppercorn.  

This is our third most popular organic ground pepper, with fine grind being the most popular and medium grind the second, and this cracked grind is preferred by most home cooks. While not hot like a chile pepper, black pepper does have a biting heat comes from piperine. A good quality black peppercorn contains between 4.6% and 9.7% piperine which is found in both the fruit's outer layer and the inner seed. In addition to piperine, the outer fruit layer also contains terpenes (pronounced "tur peans") which are responsible for the signature citrusy, floral and woody notes. Once ground pepper's flavor and aroma dissipate relatively quickly and because of this we grind all of our pepper several times a week maximize shelf life and to provide optimum flavor.

Cracked Grind pepper is on 10 mesh (+10) and is sifted to remove dust.

 

History and Cultivation

Black pepper was introduced into Europe more than 3,000 years ago, with the earliest transcripts appearing in ancient Greek and Roman texts. By 1000 BC, the spice trade routes from East Asia to the Mediterranean were controlled by Muslim traders.  

From 400-1400 AD, powerful spice brokers in Genoa and Venice Italy controlled the pepper market once it reached the Mediterranean. By the middle of the 1400s, Europeans had become increasingly frustrated with dealing with the high prices for pepper, and that led to the spice exploration era of Christopher Columbus, Sir Francis Drake and others. These explorers were commissioned to find more cost effective trade routes to get pepper and other spices into Europe and thereby eliminating the "handling fees" imposed by the Arabs and the Italians.

As alternative trade routes became established, supply increased and prices dropped. Lower prices further increased the demand for pepper and at one time accounted for almost 70% of the total volume of traded spices.

Black, White and Green Peppercorns can all be harvested from the same plant.

A perennial woody climber with dark green leaves and spikes of white flowers, the pepper plant will grow up to 33 feet tall. With shiny green leaves and small flowers featuring dense, slender spikes with up to 50 blossoms each. These berrylike fruits (peppercorns) are about 2/10" in diameter.

The plant requires partial shade, a long rainy season and fairly high temperatures for optimum growth. Propagation is typically by stem cuttings, which are placed near a pole or tree that will provide support. Pepper plants begin bearing in 2 to 5 years and may produce for as long as 40 years.

The berries are picked when they begin to turn red. The harvested berries are submerged in boiling water for approximately 10 minutes, causing them to turn dark brownish black in about 60 minutes. Then they are spread out to dry in the sun for 3-4 days.

In total volume, pepper has remained the world's most valuable spice (although not the most expensive). Today peppercorns are cultivated in Brazil, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam with Vietnam being the world's largest producer of commercially grown peppercorns with 45%-55% of the market.

Depending on the time of year our Organic Black Peppercorns are sourced from India, Indonesia and Vietnam. Our black peppercorns are harvested a bit earlier in the growing process as this provides a more distinct, sharp flavor.

 

Where to Use

Good with chicken, eggs, fish, pork, salads, soup, strawberries and tomatoes.

Works well in combination with basil, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, parsley, rosemary, thyme and turmeric.

 

Flavor Profile

The flavor is clean, a bit hot and has a biting aftertaste. The aroma is pungent and fruity with warm lemony undertones.

 

Helpful Hints

We also offer organic ground black pepper in coarse (16-20 mesh), medium (20-30 mesh) and fine (30-60 mesh) grinds.

 

Read More

Most Popular Spices by Cuisine
Flavor Characteristics of Spices
The Best Fruit and Vegetable Seasonings
Exotic Spices