10 spicy facts about pepper

05. 10. 2020

Pepper - the simplest spice in the kitchen, but together with salt the most important. We've found a few spicy things you might not have known?

1. In the Middle Ages, pepper was extremely rare and even functioned as a currency.
2. Did you know that all the colours of real pepper are actually from the same plant and the same peppercorn that is only picked at different stages of maturity? The only true pepper comes from the pepper plant. From it, black, red and white peppercorns are gradually harvested and dried at different times.
3. The pepper plant looks like hops! It's a climbing plant that can grow up to 15 metres tall, can live to 60 years of age and be fruitful after three years.
4. Beware of fake pepper trees! Pink pepper, commonly available in spice blends, is a pretty colourful pepper, but it grows on the branches of the Brazilian pepper tree, so it's a poor relation of the true pepper. Likewise, cayenne pepper, the name of which is a mistranslation, is simply a ground chilli pepper.
5. Did you know that each colour of pepper can noticeably change the flavour of your food and that good quality pepper should not be used in more than 1 colour per dish? Each has its own specific characteristics and taste.
6. Any idea what happens when you put pepper in water? When you put the balls in a glass of water, they should sink to the bottom after a few minutes because they are full, heavy and therefore of good quality. Otherwise, the marbles are hollow and of poor quality.
7. Did you know that quality pepper is a natural aphrodisiac? Due to its blood-purging effects, it can be added along with cinnamon and ginger to promote masculine strength and ignite the right passion 😊
8. Pepper has been enjoyed by our ancestors as far back as 2000 BC! Its popularity grew rapidly and by the 10th century pepper was essentially the most popular spice in the world. For a long time it was considered one of the most luxurious commodities. Today, almost anyone can afford pepper, but there are many rare varieties, including Kampot pepper, that are sought after at a higher price.
9. The world's largest producers of pepper are Vietnam, Indonesia and India. Here, however, quantity does not mean quality. Pepper from these regions often contain pesticides and have a very long journey through the trade exchanges, travelling for months by boat, so they often arrive in our supermarkets already stale and old. This will have an impact on the final taste.
10. Good quality pepper also has many health benefits. It is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K, as well as calcium, iron, fibre and manganese. In addition, it contains ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.