Pepper. It’s been around for thousands of years, sprinkled on dinners all over the world. However, if you have ground your own fresh pepper from a mill, you know just how much more flavour you add. Freshly ground pepper has a bright burst of heat in the tiniest of grinds. However, there’s more to it than just taste.
White, green and black peppercorns are all from the same plant. The white peppercorns are nearly ripe with the skins removed. The green ones are unripe and dried. The black, which we are most familiar with, are cooked and then dried. Each of the varieties will give you different flavours, and those are influenced by the country of origin. The bulk of pepper comes from India, with Vietnam as the second largest producer. The pepper vine grows to a height of 13” or so, and peppercorns are considered a fruit.
Black pepper contains a bioactive compound called piperine. Very similar to the capsaicin in green, red or yellow peppers, this compound can have health benefits as well as adding flavour. Dalhousie University has conducted research on peppercorns and piperine. There is a 2015 research paper published with the findings, stating that piperine “inhibits the growth of cancer cells, although the mechanism of action is not well understood”.
Adding black pepper to your meal also aids in digestion as it helps the stomach release hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is what assists in breaking down food in the stomach. Black pepper also is high in antioxidants which may help stabilize blood sugars. And has anti-inflamatory properties to help the body’s immune system defend against various bacteria.
The best way to enjoy all the benefits and flavours of peppercorns is by adding freshly ground pepper to your food or drink. The freshly ground part is important because the peppercorn is dried, with all the good things inside it. Cracking it open releases the aromatic oils and the piperine. The best way to crack open peppercorns is with a mill. There are so many pepper mills, from hand twisted, to ratcheting, to electric. They all work in the same manner, feeding the peppercorns into a v-shaped mill mechanism and then catching them and grinding. It is important to note that you only twist a mill clock-wise. Going back and forth can jam a peppercorn, possibly breaking the mill.
Peugeot mills have been manufactured for over 200 years. I inherited my grandmother’s over 40 years ago. It still works like a charm. The addition of electric mills has made freshly ground pepper (and salt) so convenient. Both Peugeot and Cuisinart make some great electric mills.
This fall, add some heat and health to your meals, with freshly ground pepper. Delicious!
Did you know? It is the piperine in the black pepper that makes you sneeze as the nerve endings in your nose are ‘tickled’ by the aromatic release of the compound.