Recipes & Tips Blog

A rainbow of black, white, green and pink peppercorns made for a lively SpiceChat. We even hit on a few spices that aren’t technically peppercorns, but can easily play that role in a dish adding a touch of exotic flair.

About Peppercorns

Black pepper is a foundational flavor for cuisines around the world and is known as the King of Spices. Peppercorns were so highly prized in ancient times that they were used to pay debts, taxes, bribes, ransoms, and even part of a brides dowry.  The search for these flavorful little berries is what drove the early spice trade and brought riches to entire countries. Black pepper accounts for about 35% of the modern day global spice trade. Vietnam is the largest producer of black pepper, but it’s Tellicherry and Malabar peppercorns from India that are considered to be the highest quality due to their exceptionally complex flavor and exquisite aroma.

Assorted peppercorns in SpiceCare contianers

Pepper makes up 18% of the US spice market, behind vanilla (33%) and capsicum (22%). @luckyfatima shared that before chiles arrived in South Asia food was spiced with long pepper (Piper longum) which can be used like black pepper, but has a distinct floral aroma with piney camphorus hints.

The compound piperine gives pepper it’s pungent kick of heat. Interestingly it’s not released until the peppercorns are cracked or ground. It’s particularly important to store peppercorns away from direct light because light degrades the piperine molecule resulting in flat and bland tasting pepper. Other flavor and aroma compounds are readily lost if pepper is exposed to air, so not only is an airtight storage container important, but grinding pepper fresh for each use will make a difference in the flavor. @bronacos aptly chimed in with, “Pre-ground pepper is nothing more than sawdust; why bother! There, I’ve said it!” any many SpiceChatters tweeted in agreement. @mike_lozano says, “The day I tossed my shaker and got a pepper grinder forever changed the way I approach spices.” Bravo!

Black, white and green peppercorns all come from the same Piper nigrum plant, which is a climbing shrub that produces long spikes each containing 20 to 40 berries. If the fruit is harvested when it’s full size but not ripe it’s used for black and green peppercorns. If the berries are sun-dried they turn black and become black peppercorns. If the berries are freeze dried they remain green and are sold as green peppercorns. The freeze drying process makes green peppercorns very lightweight, so don’t be alarmed by the higher price compared to black and white peppercorns if you’re buying them by the ounce. White peppercorns are harvested once the fruit starts to ripen. The outer hull is removed to expose the smooth creamy-white center of the peppercorn.  White pepper is significantly more popular than black pepper in Europe and just the opposite is true in the U.S.

Pink peppercorns come from a completely different plant known as Schinus terebinthifolius. They contain none of the piperine compound that gives black, white and green peppercorns their heat. Pink peppercorns are very lightweight appearing to be almost hollow beneath the fine papery husk

My Spice Sage sells all types of peppercorns, including a Peppery Perfection Set of 10 different peppery spices. SpiceCare containers are of course a great airtight storage solution for all your spices, pepper included.

SpiceChat Prize winners

Congratulations to @tkharmonic and @arecipejunkie who were the winners of an assortment of My Spice Sage peppercorns.

@TheTastetress and @DiscoverEndive each won a SpiceCare Starter Kit to keep their spices fresh and organized.

We had an extra special spicy twist to the Peppercorn SpiceChat compliments of the lovely long-time SpiceChat participant @SpiceBites. Just days before the chat her spicy (as in steamy-spicy not piperine-spicy) romance novel, The Djinn’s Dilemma, was published and she was gracious enough to give away a copy during the chat.

Congratulations to @momofbestbaby for winning a copy of Mina Khan’s new book! If you’re looking for a spicy novel to curl up with in front of the fireplace this winter check out The Djinn’s Delimma.

 Flavor and Aroma of Peppercorns

SpiceChatters described black pepper as having a woody, earthyness with floral, citrus, and sometimes clove notes surfacing when ground. @SpicyBites described black pepper as an explosive bold flavor that’s always needed and much loved. @endivechronicle praised the “sultry heat of black pepper” and offers nothing more than indifference when it comes to white pepper.

The clean pungent heat of white pepper is pure piperine. Because the outer husk of the peppercorn has been removed, white pepper doesn’t have the floral-fruity aromas that are associated with black pepper. To which @SpiceBites chides, “Without the aroma? What’s the point?”

The lack of sun drying leaves green peppercorns with a bright grassy flavor that’s almost fruity, though this fresh herby element is quickly followed by a noticeable kick of heat.

Pink peppercorns brought many comments referencing citrus, berry, and floral aromas. Lacking any piperine, the flavor is soft and mild, which makes it a favorite for dessert applications.

Great Flavor Pairings

Black Peppercorns pair well with Basil, Rosemary & Thyme. – @MySpiceSage

Great for oven “fried” potatoes. – @tkharmonic

Black pepper is present in global mixes — garam masala, 5 Spice Powder, Cajun/Creole blends, etc. = @SpiceBites

Black pepper is typically a part of an Indo-Pak garam masala blend. It is one of the ‘warming’ (garam) spices. – @luckyfatima

Equal parts black pepper, Sichuan pepper, and salt makes a great rub for meats & poultry. – @TableFare

Love black pepper with nutmeg actually. – @VeenasMarket

Who doesn’t like the three flavors of lemon, garlic & pepper? Combine them & you have a taste sensation! – @MySpiceSage

Peppercorns are great with vinegar and garlic. – @deeCuisine

Black Peppercorns as the Hero

Pepper is used in nearly every type of dish imaginable. It’s probably the most familiar spice in any kitchen, though @ DiscoverEndive commented, “I will admit I’m guilty of overlooking pepper in my cooking. I’ll add it if a recipe calls for it, but regularly undercut the amount.” @macromama concurred that she under-peppers dishes. Because of our literary tie-in for this SpiceChat we started out by sharing recipes that feature peppercorns as the hero of the dish. The perfect inspiration if you too find that you’re a little shy with pepper. Of course a light hand with any spice is perfectly reasonable if you like the way it tastes. That’s the whole point behind one of my favorite phrases, “season to taste.”

Poultry and Eggs

I add freshly ground black pepper to sunny side up eggs right before we eat them. – @arecipejunkie

A soft boiled egg with partially uncooked yolk seasoned with salt and coarsely ground black pepper, mmmh. – @luckyfatima

Black Peppercorn Karhai Chicken is a Frontier Pakistani dish from @luckyfatima with rich flavor and heat from e deep fried crushed black peppercorns.

San Francisco’s famous Slanted Door restaurant’s Caramelized Black Pepper Chicken is a simple stir fry with flavor from ginger, chiles and black pepper! – @TableFare

Chicken Adobo! – @callingindead

I’m thinking of bacon & peppercorned turkey breast! – @arecipejunkie

I love throwing a small palm-full of peppercorns into stock that I’m simmering. – @DiscoverEndive

Pork

Crock Pot Peppercorn Porkchops. YUM! @mike_lozano

Definitely! And maybe some White Country Sausage Gravy on top, extra pepper! @TheTastetress

And biscuits. – @arecipejunkie

Back in the olden days when I still ate meat, I used to stick peppercorns and cloves in a pork roast before roasting. @KarenDuvall

 Beef

Steak & Peppercorns would be my idea of a hero. – @SpiceBites

Talk about a hero, Anthony Bourdain’s Steak au Poivre – @TableFare

I saw Bourdain munching on green peppercorn crab in the recent Cambodia episode. Now THAT looked stellar! – @luckyfatima

How could I forget! On my Ribeye please! – @TheTastetress

A classic Black Pepper Crusted Roast Beef - @Cafe_Nervosa

Braised Peppercorn Short Ribs from @Rouxbe – a perfect fall meal. – @TableFare

As it gets closer to the holidays, I start thinking about tangerine/peppercorn stir fry. – @tkharmonic

Seafood

 

Orange zest and black pepper salmon rub. – @tkharmonic

Oh yes! Peppercorn and Seafood, perfect combo! – @SpiceBites

Vegetables

Wedge & Caesar Salads – @TheTastetress

I can’t eat Caesar Salad without freshly cracked black pepper. – @mike_lozano

I had a Caesar salad with pepper pop rocks over the weekend–strange sensation to have them popping in my mouth! – @Robinsbite

The pepper pop rocks were cool and weird–chef who created it is out of the box. The pop rocks did overpower the dish, though. – @Robinsbite

Cucumbers with Lime Juice and Black Pepper is my cousins favorite salad. – @arecipejunkie

Fresh cracked black pepper on fresh corn on the cob with butter and flake salt. The pepper almost steals the spotlight. -@TableFare

Really I just like fresh ground pepper on mashed potatoes. I can’t imagine eating them without the fresh pepper taste. -@tkharmonic

Black Pepper & Lime Oven Fries from @101Cookbooks is a great flavor combo. – @TableFare

Peppercorn really pairs well with potatoes, butternut squash & pumpkin…ooh, I want to cook! – @SpiceBites

Pasta

I use it as the star of my arribiata-style sauce. – @endivechronicle

Classic Spaghetti with Crushed Black Pepper and Pecorino Cheese from the master @LidiaBastianich. – @TableFare

Pastina with Parmigiana and Mac n’ Cheese. - @TheTastetress

Breads and Crackers

I love griddle toasted whole black peppercorn in Rava Dosa, great to bite into while devouring the dosa. – @luckyfatima

3-4 tsp of cracked peppercorns added to bread or cracker dough will give a great flavor & nice kick of lingering heat. – @TableFare

Reminds me of cracked pepper water crackers. I Love them with cheese and charcuterie. – @DiscoverEndive

Spreads and Dips

Whole crushed peppercorns (3 colors) in olive oil and marinate goat cheese in it.- @janis_tester

Fresh cracked pepper, any color, stirred into mayo for spread, or yogurt for dip with a little salt & lemon is great. – @MySpiceSage

Fresh cracked pepper stirred into homemade ranch dressing. Yum. – @SimplyImprssve

Freshly made salsa! Cilantro & White Onions baby. @arecipejunkieI

Crushed pink or green or black peppercorns simply mixed into softened butter makes a lovely compound butter. Especially on fresh baked rolls!  - @MySpiceSage

Herbed butter with mixed peppercorns also looks very pretty on the table, you can cut & place into dish for personal butter plates. – @tkharmonic

I always do individual compound butters for my dinner parties. – @Chef_Sharon

It’s a really nice touch and people remember it, plus, it’s not difficult or time consuming. Win/win. – @tkharmonic

Black peppercorn infused honey – is a hot & sweet hit. Leaving a little crushed peppercorn in the honey is pretty too. – @TableFare

One of my favorites is deep fried goat cheese drizzled with honey, sprinkled with cracked black pepper. – @poodle_power

Fruit

Pepper is the heroine with strawberries and basil. – @SpiceBites

I think pepper shines when paired with fruit. Strawberry Black Pepper jam is pretty spectacular. – @nomnivorous

Or in Strawberry Scones too. – @TheTastetress

That would make a gr8 ice cream flavor. – @tspbasil

Would love strawberry black pepper jam recipe. @SimplyImprssve

I like the sound of this Strawberry Black Pepper Jam with Balsamic from Gourmet Magazine. @TableFare

I love freshly ground black pepper with a bit of sea salt on peeled oranges that are sweet. Mom would make these! – @VeenasMarket

That combo with a lamb stew? – @theonlymeat

Yes! – @VeenasMarket

I love the sweet/savory mix to give heat to dessert like in this  Baked Apple with Black Pepper recipe by Gordon Ramsay. – @tkharmonic

I’ve heard mangos and peppercorns pair well. – @mike_lozano

Ooh, mangoes and peppercorn with lime and mint…Oh my! – @SpiceBites

This Fruit Salad with Black Pepper Dressing sounds strangely good. – @TableFare

Drinks

Freshly ground pepper (black or white) in lemonade sweetened with honey is another treat. – @VeenasMarket

I make homemade limoncello – now thinking of adding white or pink peppercorns to the mix. – @Tspbasil

I’ve infused vinegar and vodka with peppercorns. The vodka is used for Bloody Mary’s – @SimplyImprssve

I was thinking vodka & Blood Mary to. – @SpiceBites

I can never say no to a good, fresh-made Bloody Mary. Classic application. – @mike_lozano

Once you’ve had your fill of Black Pepper Vodka Martinis & Bloody Mary’s, use it to make Mango Sorbet. @TableFare

I’ve mostly just used pepper to rim the glasses.- @tkharmonic

 Yoghurt, cumin, blackpepper, salt = Salt Lassi. – @Ganga108

Reminds me of the borhani served at weddings in Bangladesh. – @SpiceBites

A family favorite! – @VeenasMarket

Crushed ginger, lime juice, honey and crushed black peppercorn infusion can be drunk to heal a sore throat. – @luckyfatima

I’ve had ginger, lemon, maple & cayenne as a sore throat cure, funny how some ingredients change. – @poodle_power

A few peppercorns added to a pot of cider along with cinnamon stick & cloves is perfect.- @TableFare

Cooking with White Pepper

White Peppercorns works well in cream sauces & soups to maintain a pale appearance. – @MySpiceSage

I use white pepper in mashed potatoes and light colored dishes, black otherwise. -@mike_lozanoI 

 I cook for a client that doesn’t want to see black pepper so I use white. – @Chef_Sharon 

I prefer white pepper on most things. @q_thechef

I usually use white pepper in Chinese dishes. I use in small quantities because it has a gamey barnyard smell to me. @luckyfatima

If white pepper isn’t processed properly it can develop an off aroma that is musty and unpleasant. Always test before using. @TableFare          

Silly question, but does white pepper make you sneeze as much as black pepper? – @tkharmonic

Anyone else noticed this? – @TableFare     

I love a sprinkle of white pepper in a steaming bowl of congee. – @Cafe_Nervosa 

White pepper is very popular in Moroccan cooking. – @marocmama   

My Mac & Cheese recipe has White Pepper!! YUM! – @arecipejunkie    

 White pepper is underrated; it adds great warm note to baked goods. – @bronacos

These White Pepper Shortbread Cookies will spice up your holiday cookie swap. These are great!

Does anyone else have a hard time grinding white peppercorns? I have a really nice Peugeot grinder, but it doesn’t feed them through. – @poodle_power

 Could it be because they’re so smooth? I always just use a mortar and pestle. - @TableFare

I grind white peppercorns in a peppermill. – @SimplyImpressive

Cooking with Green Peppercorns

I like pork loin with green peppercorn. – @momofbestbaby

A Great filet mignon in white sauce and green peppercorns is just divine. – @momofbestbaby

We get great mussels in the Northwest and Muscles in Green Peppercorn Sauce sounds like a perfect match. – @TableFare

I like Green Peppercorns best in Asian & Creole Dishes, mild flavor doesn’t compete with chiles & other spicy additions! – @TheTastetress

I love green peppercorns, I have only ever had them in Thai food, but so delicious. – @luckyfatima

I like the green pepper on salads, but I usually just use the mixed color mill for salads and fresh veggies. – @tkharmonic

I think green peppercorns have a bit of a green bell pepper taste that works in salad. – @tkharmonic

The warm herby aroma of tarragon is a great match with green peppercorn in this Green Bean Salad. – @TableFare

These Green Peppercorn Pistachio Crackers seem dangerously addictive! – @TableFare

A Green Peppercorn Sauce made with cognac will fancy up a steak instantly. – @MySpiceSage

Green Peppercorn Mustard is something I’m going to be trying. Love the idea from @CDKitchen. – @TableFare

Green Peppercorns are very compatible with sweet Spices like Cinnamon & Ginger! – @MySpiceSage

If you’re tired of basic tomato bruschetta, try Rhubarb Green Peppercorn Brie Crostini from @sunsetmag. – @TableFare

Cooking with Pink Peppercorns

Chocolate Pink Peppercorn Cupcake reicpe and had to try it. - @tkharmonic

Forget those little silver balls, decorate with candied pink peppercorns. – @TableFare

Good for kids, or just adults? – @DiscoverEndive

I don’t think kids would like them. – @TableFare

Oooh I saw a Pink Peppercorn Chocolate Brownie recipe I’m dying to try. – @SpiceBites

Harry’s Spiced Winter Chocolate Brownies — Cook Yourself Thin Recipe @tkharmonic

I love pink peppercorns with chocolate. These Thumbprint Cookies are great! – @TableFare

Speaking of desserts…Pink Peppercorn ice cream? http://t.co/33tQe8rN @SpiceBites

Pink Peppercorn Pavlova with Strawberries, Vanilla Cream & Basil Syrup. This will sweep you off your feet! – @TableFare

My idea of a pink peppercorn heroine is with strawberries & basil. – @SpiceBites

Pink pepper is good with fruit dishes. – @momofbestbaby

Be warned, this is addictive. Cocoa Nib Pink Peppercorn Caramel Corn. – @TableFare

I love pink peppercorns to accompany the black in my chai blend. It is very complimentary to traditional chai spices. – @endivechronicle

Pink Peppercorns also pair well with sweet Spices! – @MySpiceSage

The beets are beautiful now, @finecooking has a spectacular Beet Sandwich with Goat Cheese and Pink Pepper! – @TableFare

Poached leeks with Pink Peppercorn Dressing Recipe. – @spiceandtea

 Other Spices in the Place of Peppercorns

I’m also experimenting with Grains of Paradise in place of peppercorns. – @mike_lozano

 Grains of paradise is awesome. – @SimplyImprssve

A topic for a future SpiceChat, but you can read about Grains of Paradise in the Spice Library and of course buy them from My Spice Sage if you want to give them a try.

Has anyone used Sichuan Peppercorns? Try this amazing recipe for Chocolate Brioche with Sichuan Pepper from Food and Wine Magazine @callingindead

Next SpiceChat

SpiceChat is regularly scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month from 4-5 p.m. ET. I hope you will drop in and share a recipe or tip for using cloves on December 7th. Here are all the details about SpiceChat.

Past SpiceChats

• Bay Leaves (October 5th) 
• Vanilla Beans (September 7th) Sorry, recap not available
• Sesame Seeds (August 3, 2011)
• Basil (July 6, 2011)
• Chile Peppers (June 1, 2011)
• Caraway Seeds (May 4, 2011)
• Fennel Seeds (April 6, 2011)
• Coriander (March 2, 2011)
• Cinnamon (February 2, 2011)