Most of us have a pepper shaker on our kitchen table, but do you know where that pepper actually comes from? Learn all about black pepper, including its history, health benefits, and even how it contributed to European exploration of the Americas.
I got a plant in the mail the other day, and when I unearthed it from all the wrappings, I thought at first that it was just a standard ivy plant. Then I read the tag attached to it: Piper nigrum.
Whoa, I was thrilled! A friend had sent me an actual Piper nigrum plant. I was beside myself with excitement at the thought of growing a plant species that single-vinedly was responsible for the rise and fall of empires. Christopher Columbus learned about the “New World” while searching for a faster route to find black pepper and spices. Now, this is one special plant.
What Is Piper Nigrum?
Piper nigrum is more commonly known as the black pepper plant. Yes, as in the better half of the table condiment duo, salt and pepper, and that’s just my humble opinion. Pepper is the most common spice in the world. The peppercorn is actually the fruit of the plant, and depending on when it is harvested, processed, and dried, it can produce black, green, or white peppercorns. Some people mistakenly group pink peppercorns in here, but pink peppercorns, originating in Peru, have no relation to Piper nigrum and only bear a spherical and culinary resemblance. It’s an easy mistake to make.
Piper nigrum, the black pepper plant, grows as a vine and may attach itself to nearby trees for support.
Today, global black pepper consumption is estimated to be about 400,000 tons per year and is increasing steadily. In our shop, out of the hundred or so spices and blends we carry, pepper has always been the bestseller.
Where Does Pepper Come From?
Piper nigrum belongs to the Piperaceae family and is a climbing vine indigenous to the Malabar Coast of India. Today, however, Vietnam has made huge efforts to become the largest producer of pepper and is responsible for almost one third of the total pepper production worldwide. India, Brazil, and Indonesia produce the remaining two thirds. Oh, and then there is my little pepper plant on my kitchen windowsill in New Hampshire, only a couple years away from producing its own handful of pungent little peppercorn fruit.
Did Pepper Lead Europeans to the Americas?
Pepper may be the one spice that has had the biggest impact on shaping the world. Throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, Europeans valued pepper so highly that it was often presented as a gift, rent, dowry, bribe, or even to pay taxes.
In the 15th century, Christopher Columbus set out with his three ships in order to find a new trade route to the East Indies. It was believed that by sailing west he would reach the east. The allure with the east was that it was the mysterious source of the coveted spices, largely pepper.
At that time, all the spices that made it to Europe were controlled by the cities of Venice and Genoa. Since the early 8th century, the Arabs and the Venetians had an arrangement in which all spices that crossed the Mediterranean Sea would go through the hands of the Venetians. This monopoly and ability to set the price high is what led to pepper’s status as a luxury item in medieval Europe. Even today, there is a Dutch phrase “pepper expensive” which refers to an item of exorbitant cost.
The Europeans’ rising demand and desire for the spice and the Venetians’ price gouging was impetus enough for Europe to seek out a more direct route for their desired spices, and this kicked off what would later be called the Age of Discovery.
Health Benefits of Pepper: Why We Love It
The love affair with pepper is a spicy one and runs long and deep into our past. While we love pepper for its pungent flavor and ability to disguise bland foods, it also offers medicinal and preservative abilities. It has proven anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and antioxidant properties. The main active alkaloid present in pepper is piperine. It is this chemical compound that is also responsible for pepper’s hot taste and health benefits.
Today, pepper may not be seen as a status symbol as it once was in Europe, but is has earned itself a permanent spot on our dinner tables next to the salt. At my dinner table, “Please pass the pepper,” is my go-to phrase, regardless of the meal being served. Now to just keep my Piper nigrum alive and thriving long enough to see and taste its pungent peppercorns.
Now learn more about pepper’s partner, salt, in our article, “Six Types of Salt and How to Use Each.”
Reader Comments
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Pepper
So thoroughly enjoyed this article about my favorite spice. Most of us, for health reasons, have long since given up on salt...but pepper? Never! For instance Cottage Cheese is best served so covered with black pepper as to have very little white showing :>) At any rate, I learned a lot from this article and I thank you for it. And good luck growing your little Pepper Plant. I'm sure it will thrive for you.
No mention of if it can be grown in the USA and what Zone
You mentioned you were given a plant. Where are you going to plant it? Any time Farmer's Almanac has an article on any plant it should mention the where, when and how to grow it. What Zone, Sun, Shade, etc. Please.
Pepper Grinders, never a pepper shaker
I've not used a pepper shaker for decades, unless that's the only choice at a restaurant. We even grind our own for recipes. A battery operated grinder is a boon for recipes that call for large quantities of pepper. The flavor is so much better when it's freshly ground.
Plants seeds in the mail.
The latest advice was not to plant seeds you receive in the mail. Many have come from China. We are to report the seeds to the Department of Agriculture. Please don't consume whatever grows from the seeds you received. My advice is to get your seeds from a reputable garden store in the USA.
pepper
Thank you for that interesting article about pepper. I love pepper and use the peppercorns in my
grinder. I never knew where it came from or how it grew either. Very interesting and informative.
Thank you!
Black peppet
Would it be possible to grow a black pepper plant from a whole peppercorn?
Black pepper
Thank you for a very interesting and informative article. I didn’t know how or where pepper grew until now.
pepper
you article mentioned that Vietnam is becoming the largest producer of pepper. Would the spraying of Agent Orange during the 1970's have any effect on the pepper?
Pepper production
Hi Susan,
What an interesting observation and question. Pepper was brought to Vietnam by the French in the 17th century and really took off as as a major export in the late 20th century. To be honest, I don’t know what effect the spraying of Agent Orange might have had on the growth of piper nigrum. Being an herbicide it certainly would have the potential to create optimal growing conditions however it is beyond my scope to speak of. Thanks for the question.
Anything having to do with
Anything having to do with Monsanto should have anyone's suspicions raised on whether the food is truly edible or not. Agent Orange creating optimal growing conditions???? What's with that?
Growing pepper corns
Agent Orange (Dioxin) takes roughly 10-15 years to degrade to half of its original strength, in soil. By this point in time (40 years later), in Vietnam where it was sprayed or used, the toxicity is almost certainly depleted.
Pepper
After reading the article on pepper, I thought I'd mention that ground black pepper is a great way to stop bleeding. I'm on an anticoagulant medication and even the smallest scratch tends to bleed profusely. A guy I met during one of my bleeding episodes told me to shake some pepper on the cut, I did and the bleeding stopped Immediately. I've used the method several times since and it works every time.
Pepper
@ Terry White, Thanks for that information. I am always learning new things.