What is so special about pink peppercorn

This bright pink spice originated in South America, specifically in the Peru and Brazilian regions. Indigenous communities used this spice for medical reasons, for cooking and to make a speciality beer known as "Chicha". The long journey of this spice started when Spanish travelers discovered the small berry and decided to carry the plant with them on their journey to Africa and the Mediterranean region where they planted the berry and left it to thrive within the warm, humid climate.

I know I have been describing the pink peppercorn as a spice ,however, it is actually a berry that grows on a plant called "peruvian peppertree". Although it carries a similar taste to a peppercorn, it is not related to a peppercorn in any other way. The peppercorn belongs to the same family family as cashews which is known as the Anacardiaceae family. With it's burst of fruity flavour and mild peppery after taste, leaves this berry being very unique in the world of culinary arts. In the modern art of food this berry is used as a spice in spice blends, foams, emulsions and cocktails -because who doesn't love a pink cocktail on a girls night out ! It adds a pop of colour to any plate .

This berry is normally found dried as the flavour enhances when dehydrated. This berry can be used to showcase the layering of flavours, creating an in-depth complexity to many dishes. Another reason as to why this peppercorn is so special is the textures that it lends. The peppercorn has a softer texture when compared to other peppercorns but still can add a delicate crunch to a dish.

The berry carries light floral notes and has been described to carry a similar taste to citrus and pine fruits. With the presence of tropical flavours, this berry pairs well with lemongrass and pineapple. The berry can easily pear with cardamon, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Due to the sharp acidity of the berry (even when dried out) it can be paired with creamy dishes and works quite well with dishes centred around coconut. A very interesting fact that I learnt through my journey of understanding the pink peppercorn is that not all pink peppercorns taste the same. The flavour differs from one harvest to another due to three factors, which are the way the berries are grown ( this relates to the soil), how the berries are harvested and of course how the berries are stored.

This peppercorn carries some health benefits such as dietary fibre and helps with digestion. There are also antioxidant properties within the berry AND antibacterial properties. This dried berry has not received a certified stamp to deem it safe for human consumption and is suggested to eat in small quantities. Now that you have a better understanding of what a pink peppercorn is, you now have a new conversation starter on a girls night out!

References:

Chloe Bowden, 2020, Spice Advice: Pink peppercorns, Spicewalla, 13/02, https://www.spicewallabrand.com/blogs/recipes/pucker-up-pink-peppercorn#:~:text=FUN%20FACT!,two%20spices%20have%20in%20common , 03/08/2020

Speciality produce, n.d, pink peppercorns, speciality produce, n.d, https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Pink_Peppercorns_8243.php#:~:text=Both%20Pink%20peppercorn%20species%20are,alcoholic%20beverage%20similar%20to%20mead , 03/08/2024

My spice sage, n.d, pink peppercorns- Also known as Rose Baises, My spice sage, n.d, https://www.myspicesage.com/products/pink-peppercorns , 03/08/2024

Chef Taylor Knapp, 2023, The Pink powerhouse: secrets and uses of pink peppercorns, Lafayette Spices, 23/11, https://www.lafayettespices.com/blogs/news/secrets-and-uses-of-pink-peppercorns , 05/08/2024

Picture of cocktail drink: https://pin.it/7ljo2hIQU

Picture of pink peppercorn: https://pin.it/1kg0hbpVO