All About Pepper

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between the different types of pepper? Do you find yourself overwhelmed with the many options? This article will go over everything you need to know about the different types of pepper and why you would choose one over the other. We will discuss all things pepper, and will reveal the largest factor in the flavor of your pepper no matter the variety.

Pepper has been one of the world’s most important spices for thousands of years. It started in India where it began to spread from traders. It is one of the main spices that fueled the spice trade that drove expansion in that region.

Black pepper is a perennial vine that is native to Southern Asia. The pepper that you find in your mill at home are the peppercorns, which are actually the berries of the pepper plant. The timing and method in which the berries are picked determine the type of pepper it becomes!

Types of Peppercorns

Black

• Picked when they are unripe.
• Dried in the sun.
• Has the spiciest flavor.
• Different types, mainly depending on where they originated.

Green

• Picked when they are unripe
• Blanched or frozen instead of dried.
• Less spicy and has more floral notes.

White

• Fully ripened berries.
• Soaked in water and fermented.
• Reduces the spicy flavor.
• Brings out the more floral flavors that are hidden by the spice of the black pepper.
• Great for if you do not want the spice, but want the other flavors of black pepper.
• Do not want the look of the black pepper in your food such as a white sauce.

The rest are not actually pepper as they come from a different plant. They are still considered a type of pepper, so we will include them in this list.

Pink      

• Very mild flavor
• Can be used by those who do not like the taste of traditional pepper.
• They also look very nice in a mill.
• Often mixed in with all the other types of pepper in a mill to give more color.
• They can cause an allergic reaction to those that have a cashew or tree nut allergy.

Szechuan

• Has the most interesting flavor of anything on this list.
• They have a very powerful flavor, but what sets Szechuan pepper apart from everything else is that they give the person who is eating them a tingling sensation in their mouth.
• They are unique and can add a different dimension to your dish.

The most important thing to remember about pepper

Fresh ground pepper out of a mill is the easiest way to level up your game. When pre-ground, it loses its flavor quickly. I highly recommend buying the whole peppercorns. A quality, refillable pepper mill is the best option and the best bang for you buck long term! There are lots of great and affordable options on Amazon.

Pepper Mill Recommendations

• Check out Kitchn’s blog post about Top Black Peppercorns HERE!