OVERVIEW:
Peppercorn is more than just a companion to salt, it is one of the most commonly used spices in the world adding warmth and zest to savory dishes or beverages, even tea blends. The pepper plant vine grows berries, technically called drupes, and are what we know as peppercorns. Their woodsy and slightly citrus-like scent adds to their popularity and their mild but pungent spicy flavor is used as seasoning during cooking and at the table for garnish and finish.
 
Black, white, and green peppercorns are all from the same vine and grow in clusters that are harvested in various stages of growth producing an array of peppercorns, with variations in colors, shapes, and flavors. They come in varying spice mesh sizes dependant on their application; whole, cracked, coarse and fine. 
Green peppercorns are underripe black peppercorns when they are picked and dehydrated or preserved. Commonly used in brine, they're slightly spicy and aromatic and great for flavoring sauces for meat dishes.
The most common variety, black peppercorns are left on the vine to fully mature and develop a stronger flavor profile. They’re the ideal seasoning for pretty much anything.
Tellicherry peppercorn is a variety of black peppercorn which comes from the finest of Indian peppercorns and has a complex rich fruity, mildly pungent, well-rounded taste.
White peppercorns are black peppercorns whose outer casing have been removed. Their slightly fermented taste is more intense with both a fiery, but also less pungent flavor, and are good for light-colored sauces and foods. 
Pink peppercorns and Sichuan peppercorns are not true peppercorns.
 
Peppercorns exhibit an array of health benefits due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and disease-fighting qualities. You may just find that peppercorns help your digestion and waistline while they also help prevent and fight bacteria. Please pass the pepper!
 
LATIN: 
Piper nigrum  
ORIGIN:
India
CULTIVATION:
Organic
PARTS USED:
Dried Fruit / Whole
TISANE "HERBAL" TEA BREW TIMES:
Ground tisane teas and tea bags - Steep 2 to 5 minutes
Loose leaf tisane teas - Steep 3-5 minutes
Root and seed-based tisane teas - Steep 6-8 minutes
*Steep in newly boiling water (212ºF) to best release the health benefits.
WHAT'S COOKING:
Baked Feta with Rosemary Blackberry Compote
Chicken Adobo with Rice
Roasted Celery Soup
Roasted Radish & Potato Salad with Black Mustard & Cumin Seed
Zesty Herbed Chicken Broth