Pepper

Pepper is one of the most important spices in the world. For centuries only the wealthy could afford it to improve the bad taste and odor of their spoiled food. Pliny, a Roman historian, complained about the high cost of pepper in the first century A.D. It was the long perilous journey along the spice route from India to Europe which drove the value of pepper up to equal gold: one ounce of pepper sold for one ounce of gold.

From India, pepper was transported west by ship across the Arabian Sea and then northward along the Red Sea to Suez, Egypt. At Suez, pepper was loaded onto camel caravans to cross the desert to Cairo and then Alexandria. From the port city of Alexandria, pepper was again sent by ship across the Mediterranean Sea to Venice Italy. Buyers from Europe came to Venice to bargain for spices. At each step of the journey, pirates and robbers posed serious threats. Warring nations further disrupted commerce. These conditions prompted the kings of Europe to send Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Magellan, and other explorer navigators to find safer, more efficient routes to bring pepper home to the table. When Vasco da Gama arrived on Indian soil on May 20, 1498, it was the end of a long sea-route search primarily for pepper. When he exclaimed, "For Christ and for spices!" it meant the end of Arab Muslim domination of spice routes. Now that a route to India had been found, others could be shown the way.

Pepper is a fruit. It comes from a perennial vine which can bear fruit for up to twenty years. Pepper is a native to south India where over 24 varieties are grown in hot, humid, tropical conditions. However, this plant, with its large leaves and small white flowers, has been cultivated for centuries in areas with similar climates such as Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Today, Brazil is also a major pepper producer.

Black pepper, white pepper, and green pepper are all from the same plant. Black pepper comes from berries that are picked when green, or just starting to turn red, and then dried. Enzymes cause their skins to turn black while drying. White pepper comes from berries that are picked when mature and bright red. Their skins are stripped off to expose the smooth, white underlayer. They are then dried in the sun Green pepper comes from berries that are picked while still green and unripe. Green peppercorns are usually pickled in vinegar or brine or freeze-dried and dehydrated.

Chefs use white pepper in white sauces or other dishes where black particles are not desired. White pepper is popular for everyday use in Europe and Scotland. Black pepper is more common in the USA, England, and Wales. At your dinner table, grind peppercorns as needed for a fresh taste. It's worth investing in a small table grinder to enjoy freshly ground pepper because pre-ground pepper loses its flavor over time and is comparatively dull at the dinner table.

Pepper Butter Balls

Children love to help prepare and serve these pepper butter balls. Before a special dinner of fish, baked potatoes, steamed yams, or any dish begging for butter and pepper, soften butter and shape into very small (1/2 inch diameter) balls. Grind some fresh pepper and roll the balls in it. Refrigerate until firm. Serve several pepper butter balls to each dinner guest.

Medicinal Actions: stimulant, digestive, carminative, aromatic