Hailed as the king of spices, pepper, the most consumed spice in the world, is taken from the berries (or from ‘drupes’ to use its exact botanical name) of the plant Piper nigrum which is native to the Malabar Coast in the Indian state of Kerala. Sri Lanka produces and exports black pepper but Sri Lankan black pepper suppliers satisfy only 2% of the global demand for pepper.

Ceylon Pepper is particularly favored worldwide as it is quite rich in piperine, the alkaloid which lends it a distinct pungency. As a result, Ceylon Pepper from Sri Lanka fetches a premium price in the international spice market. Black pepper is widely used as a ‘hot’ cooking spice and seasoning. The taste of Sri Lankan black pepper is richly aromatic, with floral and citrus notes, while retaining a strong pungency. Extracts of black pepper – Piperine, oleoresin and essential oil- are also extracted from the whole drupes, and have applications as both spice and flavouring agents in the food industry, and also major industrial applications in the perfumery and the pharmaceutical industry.

Depending on the time of harvest and the post-harvest process, there can be different types of pepper: green pepper, black pepper, red pepper and white pepper. For black pepper, the Piper nigrum berries are harvested when green and slightly immature, then it’s blanched and sun-dried. This makes it very rich in essential oil. The black colour results from the oxidation that occurs during drying.

BLACK PEPPER CULTIVATION IN SRI LANKA

In Sri Lanka, pepper or the woody perennial evergreen climbing vine, Piper nigrum, is cultivated over an area of 32800 hectares and majorly in the districts of Matale, Kandy, Kegalle, and Kurunegala where it’s grown either as a mono-crop or a mixed crop in coconut and tea plantations using live or dead stands as support. It’s also ideal for home gardens.

Today, pure origin pepper enjoys a huge demand internationally, and the public is keener to discover spices that originate from a specific “terroir” just like wines. Ceylon Pepper is mainly exported to India, Germany and the USA and enjoys a growing demand from Australia and Canada.

DELVING INTO THE HISTORY

Piper nigrum has its roots in the Malabar Coast in the Indian state of Kerala, from where it was traded from ancient times: peppercorns were discovered in the nostrils of Ramses (around 1300 BC), put there when he was mummified. Romans used it in galore – in the Apicius, Roman cookbook probably compiled in 1st century AD, most of the recipes include black pepper.

Arabs merchants had the monopoly of pepper trade from India for centuries, with Venice and Genoa being the intermediaries for trade into Europe. This monopoly eventually spurred on adventurers like Columbus, Vasco da Gama and Magellan, to explore and find new routes toward the spice lands in the East and contributed to transforming the whole geography of the world at the time.

CEYLON BLACK PEPPER IN THE KITCHEN

Black Pepper is used mainly as a finishing touch on dishes, to add pungency and aroma to meat, fish and vegetables. Black peppercorns from Sri Lanka carry a strong floral flavour, perfect on meat but also sautéed and roasted vegetables. Grinding fresh peppercorns is essential for flavour and aroma, as pre-ground pepper is often stale and quickly loses its volatile oils and its properties.

BLACK PEPPER FOOD PAIRINGS

Black pepper can be freshly sprinkled on almost every dish, but according to flavour profiles, it matches astonishingly well with the following products:

• Spices – Cardamom, coriander, cumin, clove, turmeric, star anise, nutmeg
• Seasonings and herbs – Basil, citrus juice and zest, thyme, rosemary, cilantro
• Fruits & Vegetables – Onion, grilled vegetables, root vegetables
• Proteins – Beef, charcuterie, beans and lentils
• Other – Pasta, dairy

MEDICINAL VALUE OF BLACK PEPPER

Black pepper is a warming spice according to Ayurveda. It was administered to patients who suffered from such ailments as diarrhoea, constipation, arthritis, insect bites, and pulmonary and cardiovascular troubles. It also whets appetite and digestion, and it is good as a decongestant for a blocked nose.

It is often used in combination with other spices since Piperine increases the bio-availability of many nutrients (such as selenium, beta-carotene, curcumin and vitamins A and C). That’s why it is always recommended to add a pinch of black pepper in turmeric preparation and dishes to better absorb curcumin.

In Chinese Traditional Medicine, pepper is identified as a spice capable of warming the body, used to fight cold and dissolve phlegm. In combination with other warming spices like ginger and cinnamon, it can be used in infusions to treat cold and flu.

It also helps the secretion of digestive enzymes in the pancreas and speeds up the intestinal transit (a slow transit is often associated with many health problems).

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLACK PEPPER

Black pepper is known to be a rich source for nutrients such as Thiamine, Riboflavin, Vitamin C, E, B6, and K. The spice is also a source of minerals like Zinc, Magnesium, Sodium, Phosphorous, and Calcium. It is also high in dietary fibre. These valuable components have collectively resulted in black pepper to build a name for its medicinal value. 

ASSISTS WEIGHT LOSS

Black pepper assists weight loss by suppressing appetite and preventing the formation of fat cells. Black pepper also helps weight loss by fighting the formation of fat cells. The presence of phytonutrients supports this cause. Black pepper also helps the body to absorb nutrients from the consumed food. Daily consumption of black pepper with food benefits in boosting metabolism, helping to get rid of extra fat and toxins.

REDUCES THE OCCURRENCE OF CANCER

Rich in antioxidants and active ingredient piperine  , black pepper initiates free-radical scavenging that helps chemoprevention and controls any progression of tumour growth.

According to a study done by the University of Michigan. In cell studies, Piperine, the natural chemical found in pepper, has shown anti-inflammatory antioxidant and anti-cancer activities.

REDUCES BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL

Piperine in black pepper helps to stabilize glucose level in blood by improving its metabolism. Further research has found piperine to enhance insulin sensitivity and discourage the function of some digestive enzymes, that reduces complex carbohydrates and sucrose into glucose. In addition, piperine also acts as a bio enhancer for Metformin, a common diabetes medication.

TREATS GUM INFLAMMATION

The anti-inflammatory properties found in black pepper have the ability to reduce the occurrence of gum inflammation and oral infections. 

Black pepper can also be used as a home remedy to relieve the pain of tooth decay, toothache, and oral abscess. The antibacterial properties in black pepper help to reduce the inflammation in dental caries and tooth decay is prevented since black pepper stops the destruction of mineralized tissue of the teeth.

LOWERS CHOLESTEROL LEVEL

Piperine in black pepper slows down enzymes that promote the fat formation and focuses on the removal of fat. It also prevents the reabsorption of bile, an acidic digestive juice that assists the digestion and absorption of fats. 

Therefore Black pepper lowers the levels of LDL cholesterol and increases HDL cholesterol which is good for the human body. By helping to reduce lower bad cholesterol black pepper reduces the risks of heart diseases. 

MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLACK PEPPER

A NATURAL ANTIDEPRESSANT

Black pepper is a natural antidepressant. High levels of oxidative stress in the brain is one of the causes of anxiety. Piperine reduces the levels of oxidative stress and protects brain cells from damage. It also curbs the release of Monoamine oxidase, responsible for depression while it also induces the release of happy hormones, serotonin and dopamine. 

IMPROVES BRAIN HEALTH

Piperine disables the enzyme that breaks down the calming and feel-good neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine, reducing the risk of degenerative brain diseases like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, piperine protects the brain nerves and reduce plaque formation in the brain which also reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, brain tumour, and meningitis.

REDUCES THE OCCURRENCE OF PSEUDOSEIZURE

Pseudoseizure is a type of seizures caused due to psychological reasons such as mental stress. Piperine reduced the occurrence of pseudoseizure by controlling the flow of calcium while improving the synchronization of nerve activity in the brain. 

COSMETIC BENEFITS OF BLACK PEPPER

REDUCES EARLY SIGNS OF AGING

Free radicals caused by ionizing radiation, severe physical and psychological stress, alcohol intake, poor nutrition, overeating, environmental pollution, and exposure to UV radiation play a great role in the occurrence of signs of ageing.  Piperine, a natural antioxidant found in black pepper helps to prevent and delay the damaging effects of free radicals and reduce early signs of ageing. 

REDUCES THE SYMPTOMS OF VITILIGO

Vitiligo is a skin condition of the skin losing its natural pigmentation in selected areas. Piperine an alkaloid in black pepper and two of its analogues; tetrahydropiperine (THP) and a cyclohexyl derivative (RCHP) has been found to produce pigmentation of skin when applied externally.  The discovery had made black pepper oil a new and better ingredient in manufacturing vitiligo medication.

USE OF BLACK PEPPER IN HOME REMEDIES

Treatment for Sore Throat Consuming a pinch of black pepper mixed with half a teaspoon of honey helps to treat a sore throat.

Also, tea infused with black pepper, ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon helps to get rid of cold.

Inhaling steam laced with a pinch of black pepper powder or drops of oil and cinnamon powder will reduce symptoms of sinusitis.