Green versions of the spice have a less potent flavor and are widely used in French, Thai, and Creole cooking. Again, you’ll need a mortar and pestle or an electric coffee grinder or spice grinder to prepare these. If you begin paying more attention to the aroma and taste, you’ll realize that there are a plethora of unique selections and a vast range of flavors. Here’s a small grouping of some of the most interesting options: Tellicherry Gastric acid is the hydrochloric acid component of the gastric juices that form in the stomach to prepare food for digestion and absorption by the intestine. Acid bathes the food bolus, or mass of food stored in the stomach, to help break it down so it can be easily digested. It’s believed that the piperine found in peppercorns can help produce the much-needed gastric acid so we have a positive and healthy digestion experience. ( 4, 5) 3. Can Help Diabetics

We don’t often consider the nutritional and health benefits of spices, maybe because they seem like such a small part of our diets. However, many spices have health benefits to offer, including pepper’s ability to work as an antioxidant, antibacterial, and even as a thermogenic warming spice. This means that it may be best to buy them in smaller quantities more often, rather than buying in bulk and expecting them to keep. And that works out well because the inconvenience of processing green peppercorns means this type is one of the more expensive of the bunch. Zipping over to Ecuador, we find this unique chili-like option that provides a slow heat and sharp flavor. Slightly bitter, the verdict is still out on whether it is loved or hated, which obviously means that the affections one may feel lie within the realm of personal preference. Become a Pepper AficionadoIn general, peppercorns with unique flavors and aromas, and a well-known brand will be more expensive. However, these peppercorns are also likely to provide the best taste and texture, and they may be more versatile for use in different dishes and recipes. Conclusion These add a touch of sweetness but are most often used in blends for their color, rather than for their flavor. Get Exotic With Szechuan Just as there are several types of gourmet salt, peppercorns also come in distinctly different varieties, colours, intensities and flavour profiles to the standard grinds in tabletop pepper mills making them suited to different dishes ... think succulent steak in green peppercorn sauce, pink peppercorns on tuna carpaccio, or white pepper in a béchamel sauce. Consumption of the fruit should not exceed small amounts for use as a spice. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

When you have a high quality mill, you want to take full advantage of its ability to provide you with incredible flavor.

Many researchers believe that peppercorns are able to help burn fat due to the piperine they contains. For example, a study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology was conducted on rats, feeding them high-fat diets to develop dyslipidemia induced by obesity. The rats were given piperine and sibutramine for three weeks. Because these dried pink berries look a lot like traditional peppercorns, they are often still referred to as a pink version of pepper. The berry-like fruit of Piper nigirum starts out as a small, white flower that turns into a bright red berry when allowed to ripen completely.

Called Tellicherry after a town on India’s Malabar Coast, this version of the spice is considered gourmet and is often preferred among chefs and others with high culinary standards.

How to Choose the Best Peppercorns

In ancient times the dried fruit was considered so precious that it was often used as currency for trading. Pepper originated in Kerala, India, where it is still grown, but it’s now mainly produced in Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Kevin Fernandez from Rafi's Spiceboxand co-author of The Rafi's Spicebox Cookbook, says,"Pepper is a vital ingredient in almost all Indian cuisine, but some dishes stand out by making it a star, providing a different kind of heat to chilli. As with all Indian food, the same dish may vary greatly between regions. For example, our Mulligatanni (‘Mulliga’ meaning pepper, and ‘tanni’ meaning water) is made in a Keralan style, with a coconut element that mellows out the pepper to a degree. Likewise, Szechuan peppercorns are not from the pepper family but a dried berry from the Szechuan province of China. More aromatic Szechuan pepper is the berry of the mountain ash tree, with a pungent flavour unlike the usual heat of a peppercorn. Long Peppercorns Consider the fact that these little gems come from a variety of different places, are grown in distinct soils, and are processed in a variety of ways.

When purchasing peppercorns, try looking for a source that offers fresh peppercorns versus those that may have been sitting around for a while. Having an earthy scent, freshly ground is the way to go, and you can find a pepper mill that offers different sizes from fine to coarse. That whole idea of pepper causing sneezes is more than an idea. It happens, even if you’re not allergic. I’ve given a lot of information about piperine, the natural chemical found in peppercorn. It’s this attribute that causes the sneezing because it acts as an irritant if it gets in the nose. And white ones? They’re soaked first before the drying stage, so the outer layer comes off. I find the flavour is more subtle and less harsh. When you go to buy white peppercorns, look for ones that are creamy white. You don’t want ones that are bright white (they may have had chemicals added to them to give them that bleached appearance) or beige. So how many types of peppercorn are there Meanwhile, cook 7oz (200g) dried noodles and in the last two minutes, throw in a handful of leafy greens (bok choy, spinach or choi sum). Drain well and divide between the two bowls with the sauce in the bottom. Divide the pork topping between the two bowls, sprinkle over spring onions and serve. Instruct your fellow diner to mix well before slurping." Pepper vines can grow as high as 13 feet tall and are native to south India. Vietnam is the world’s largest producer and exporter of pepper, coming in at 34 percent of the production of pepper.To give it a try, start with mapo tofu– a rich and comforting pork and tofu stew that’s flavoursome and warming. Sichuan pepper also brings vegan side dishes like dry-fried beans to life with some serious zing. And for a dinner party centrepiece, you can’t go wrong with a Sichuan hotpot. Useful for every day, the aroma is powerful but the taste has a bit of mellowness. Simple and pleasant, this type might go well blended with other, more zesty varieties. Sarawak Ginger is a last resort kind of substitute that you can use if you have none of the other substitutes mentioned in this list as it will only add a very mild spicy flavor to any dish. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, and simmer. If you want it stronger, allow it to simmer longer. Sichuan peppercorns have a citrus-like aroma and create a tingly, numbing sensation on your tongue. They’re used in many traditional Chinese dishes and, in my opinion, make things truly ‘wow’! Additionally, they’re usually toasted to really bring out all their amazingness. What is the most flavourful peppercorn?