Indian spices like cinnamon, bay leaf, turmeric are recognized worldwide for their distinct aroma and taste. But, do you know, black pepper is also included in these spices making the food very tasty? The history of black pepper has been fascinating. According to an estimate, black pepper has been used for about 4000 years. You will be surprised to know that pepper was kept in the graves during the burial of people in Egypt around 2,500 BC. Do you know that black pepper was considered valuable in the Middle Ages? It was also known as 'black gold' during this time. There are numerous things related to this spice that you may not be aware of. Let us tell you some lesser-known facts related to black pepper.
Pepper gets its unique taste from peppermint
The taste of black pepper is different because of the Pepperdine found in its centre. Do you know that white pepper is also available in the market? Moreover, this type of pepper doesn't have the outer black part, and therefore, it doesn't turn completely black when ground. Of this, 70 per cent is black, and 30 per cent is white. Black pepper is most commonly used in restaurants. According to an estimate, 50 per cent of black pepper is consumed in restaurants.
Black pepper farming in Kerala
Black pepper is made from the dried fruit of peppercorns, mainly grown on the vine. Black pepper is generally cultivated in South India, i.e. Kerala. Do you know pepper accounts for 20 per cent of the worldwide spice trade? It is specially grown in India, Vietnam, Brazil and Indonesia. Do you know that the US is the largest importer of black pepper globally? According to an estimate, America consumes 18 per cent of the total production in the world.
Countries around the world are crazy about 'black gold'
Vasco da Gama reached the Calicut coast of India in search of black pepper. The Portuguese had also arrived in India, following Vasco da Gama. They built forts and colonies to capture the profitable trade of pepper. After them, the Chinese, French and British also came to India for black pepper. Do you know that black pepper was once used as a currency in Europe?
Black pepper is full of medicinal properties
The benefits of black pepper are also many, comprising both vitamin A and vitamin C. Along with increasing immunity, it also helps in detoxifying the body. Black pepper is usually kept covered, as its flavour and aroma are lost due to evaporation (when left uncovered). Most people take whole black pepper, grind it fresh, and use it for better taste.
After drying, the colour turns black
When the black pepper is ripe, it is plucked from the tree and boiled lightly. After this, the spice is dried in the sun for several days. Also, when the black pepper is crushed, it is green, but after drying, they turn black.
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