Black Pepper - How To Use
(Also Known as Peppercorn)
Profile
Black pepper is hot and spicy with notes of citrus. It holds the title 'The King of Spices', validating its position with its residency on most tabletops worldwide. This spice is so versatile and omnipresent that we tend to take it for granted. "Pass the pepper, please."
Vietnam is the top producer of this spice with other major producers including India. However, it is native to Indonesia and Malaysia.
What's the difference between black and white pepper?
White pepper is milder than black pepper and less aromatic. Black pepper is similar to chilli because it doesn't give flavour or fragrance per se. It gives us an intense heat sensation. Peppercorns lose their properties quickly when exposed to air. It is best when freshly ground (otherwise, it can lose its flavour).
What flavours go with black pepper?
- Caraway Seed
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Pineapple
- Plums (Tart)
- Rosemary
- Strawberry
- Thyme
- Tomato
Our 14th Century Catalan savoury blend is a superb example of black pepper working with some of the above such as garlic, oregano, thyme and tomato. This is a delicious all-purpose tomatoey seasoning with hints of herby, peppery and citrusy notes. The reason why black pepper goes well with the unusual combination of strawberry acidity is that it draws out the sweetness. It gives the perfect kick of spice. The Italian celebrity chef Aldo Zilli demonstrates this with a strawberry, orange prosecco and black pepper tiramisu.
Health Benefits
Black pepper is well known as a digestive aid in traditional medicine. It is high in antioxidants, great for relieving flatulence, great for weight loss and helps you sweat. Surprisingly, white pepper is hotter than black pepper.
Interesting Facts
- The trading of black pepper has existed for 3,500 years. Alexander the Great brought black pepper to Europe in the 4th Century along the new trade routes. Black pepper has an extensive history of being a high-priced commodity and currency, with Arab traders using it as a monopoly for transport to Europe. You can imagine that the "Camelērs" were not only moving black pepper, but they were also paying with black pepper.
- Building on the currency element of black pepper, the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama took control of the source of black pepper in the 15th Century, discovering a sea route to southwest India. For the following 100 years, the Portuguese took control of the black pepper trade. In the 1600's they lost their control to the Dutch, who themselves lost control to the British in the 18th Century, as the British took control of the spice trade in the tropics.
Chief flavour compound
Piperine: (hot, pungent and spicy) is a naturally occurring alkaloid, it is a key bio-active element.
Blends to try with Black Pepper
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Vegeto £8.95
Introducing Vegeto - Great Taste Award winner - 2023. Vegeto is a smokey all-purpose seasoning mix, with a whisper of bitterness from celery salt, and a hint of heat from ground chilli flakes. All natural, low sodium and vegan. This heritage spice mix pays homage to the ancient Romans' love of vegetables and pulses - inspired by the oldest collection of Roman cookery recipes by Marcus Gavius Apicius.
Endless culinary adventures - With highlights of garlic, paprika and basil, Vegeto is a perfect way to add flavour to roast vegetables, mashed potato, soups and salads. Try a pinch over smashed avocado on toast, or 2 tsp for a roast chicken marinade with some olive oil.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Hawaij £8.95Introducing Hawaij - Hawaij has a deep golden hue and a flavorful, complex blend of spices, including caraway and turmeric. It elicits an earthy, rich taste experience with a subtle hint of pepperiness. Hawaij can be described as a daring, Yemeni garam masala. All-natural, salt-free and vegan.Endless culinary adventures - You can use Hawaij as a marinade or rub for poultry or pork. For vegetarian inspiration, try with lentil-style curry dishes, roasted cauliflower or toasted chickpeas. Some of our customers tell us that Hawaij is sublime in chicken or pork escalope with panko breadcrumbs. Fundamentally, Hawaij is an all-purpose seasoning.We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Mitmita £8.95
Introducing Mitmita - A kaleidoscope of rich, spicy, sweet, and deep flavours that are all-natural, low sodium, and vegan. This spice mix derives from the Ethiopian Empire of Aksum. Featuring the after-heat of Birds Eye chilli peppers, smoky Ethiopian black pepper and undertones of celery salt.
Endless culinary adventures - Traditionally, Mitmita is used as a tabletop seasoning. This all-purpose spice mix adds complexity and balance to everything from a ribeye steak, to burgers, or prawns and poultry. It is perfect as a steak rub, or a barbeque marinade. It can even take a Bloody Mary cocktail to the next level. We recommend adding some fresh chilli if you want to heat up the alchemy even more.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Baharat Gulf Of Arabia £8.95
Introducing Baharat Gulf of Arabia - Our grandmothers' have been passing down the secret of our Baharat for generations. Grandma Fátima's Saudi Arabian blend is of silk road origins. There can be several different Baharats depending on the region you come from in the Middle East. All-natural, salt-free, and vegan-friendly. This fragrant and flavour-packed mixed spice of the Arabian Peninsula is sweet, smokey and peppery. Our unexpected ingredient, 'Loomi' (black lime), adds a unique and exotic flavour. A little goes a long way.
Endless culinary adventures - Roast chicken, lamb shawarma, Arabian bread, tomato-based sauces, and rice dishes can benefit from a dash of this incredible spice mix! Our customers have also been using it to add a delicious twist to baked hake and vegetable galette. Give your cooking and baking a unique touch with our Baharat Gulf Of Arabia.
We mill and blend in-house. We use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Advieh Mahi £8.95
Introducing Advieh Mahi - This ancient Persian spice mix derives from the Achaemenid Empire, 6th-century BC. It is aromatic and flavourful, with highlights of cumin seeds and fenugreek leaves. All natural, low sodium and vegan.
Endless Culinary Adventures - Advieh Mahi (Persian for "fish spice"), is the perfect spice mix for seafood dishes! When mixed with a neutral oil and brushed over fresh fish, this nutritious blend provides a tasty health boost. Why not try for seasoned cod, or salmon? Our customers tell us that this is the perfect spice mix for kedgeree, fish pie and even octopus lollipops with tempura batter!
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Advieh Ash £8.95
Introducing Advieh Ash - This ancient Persian spice mix derives from the Achaemenid Empire, 6th-century BC. A slightly sweet and nutty aromatic blend, composed primarily of dried fenugreek leaves. Advieh Ash has hints of spice with umami undertones, pairing wonderfully with root vegetables, pulses and lentils. All natural, salt-free, and vegan.
Endless Culinary Adventures - Advieh Ash is the ideal accompaniment for soups, stews, ramen, and bone broths of all types. Customers also love it in couscous and rice dishes. Just a pinch of this exquisite blend will elevate your soup to the next level.
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.
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Sofrito £8.95
Introducing Sofrito - Catalan in origin, Sofrito is a 14th Century blend of balanced and versatile Mediterranean ingredients. All-natural, salt-free and vegan. This spice mix has highlights of lemon peel, thyme and tomato powder, with citrusy and herbal notes.
Endless culinary adventures - Sofrito is the perfect all-purpose seasoning for adding depth to chicken pie, pan-fried salmon, meatballs, tomato/ragu sauces or as a natural gravy/stock. Our bread baking customers tell us that adding a teaspoon to your dough creates a delicious new flavour profile!
We mill and blend in-house. We endeavour to use the freshest spices that are within one year from field to jar with a focus on ingredients that come from regenerative farms.