What you need to know about Black Pepper Powder available in India, as India is the 3rd largest country producing Black Pepper in the world. It is mainly produced in southern states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Pondicherry. Black Pepper is “The King of Spices”. This is because of its strong aroma and its diverse usage in cuisines all around the world. It is also known as “Black Gold” and a lot of history goes behind calling it so. Over 2000 years ago, the Roman Empire was one of the most powerful empires in the world under the rule of Julius Caesar. They imported this spice from Southern India and paid for it in Gold, hence, this spice is known as “Black Gold”.
This spice is originally from India, Kerela. Kerela itself produces 90% of the total production and makes India rank 1st in Asia and 3rd for its production and export over the world. Black Pepper is a whole spice. However, it is also available in the market in powder form. When this spice is dry roasted and grounded, it tends to get more aromatic and flavorful. The more it’s grounded the more flavorful it gets. Black Pepper Powder (Kali Mirchi Powder) adds heat to the dishes making the after taste spicy. Kashmiri chilli powder adds heat along with some color so; black pepper powder is used for dishes that don’t need such color but heat. Here we are going to look at 5 things that you must know about Black Pepper Powder and some unknown facts related to it.
Things you should know About Black Pepper Powder:
Gets More Flavorful When Grounded:
Black Pepper is a whole spice and is grounded for recipes like soups, stews, sauces, and salads. It tends to increase and release its flavor and aroma when grounded. The finer it gets, the more flavor is released. As a part of the process, it is first dry roasted on medium heat and then ground to a fine powder. It releases the aroma while roasting and becomes flavorful when ground. It can be done with the help of a flat pan or a spice grinder. Spice grinders are available in the market and are the easiest options to grind spices to the desired quality and quantity.
Rich In Antioxidants:
Our body produces stable and unstable molecules. It also produces radicals that can damage our cells. Excessive radicals in the body can lead to major health problems like inflammation, rapid aging, heart diseases, and cancer. Research suggests that intake of foods that contain antioxidants can help in preventing effects caused by free radicals. Black pepper powder has a rich source of a plant compound called piperine. This substance is filled with antioxidants and is the best source to rely on if you’re suffering from diseases related to heart and cancer.
Contains Anti-inflammatory Qualities:
People who suffer from arthritis, heart diseases, cancer, and diabetes may have chronic inflammation. Again piperine comes in as it has anti-inflammatory qualities. It is said to give relief to arthritis patients as it reduces swelling and inflammation. Not just that, it also relieves pain. Studies suggest that it is has proven to be effective on animals. It is partially unclear if it’s as effective on humans as it is on animals or not.
Beneficial to The Brain:
Along with its anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities, piperine is also beneficial to the brain. To be specific, it has demonstrated potential benefits for degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. It can improve retain memory and so, is beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Black pepper also helps people who have Parkinson’s disease.
It Is A Versatile Spice:
Black Pepper Powder is an incredibly versatile spice and it is a part of every household. With its mild heat and beautiful flavor, it can enhance any savory dish. It gives that extra flavor to salads, cooked vegetables, pasta, and many more. Black pepper also has medicinal uses. It is used to treat normal flu like symptoms like cough and cold.
This spice pairs well with other healthy spices like cardamom, turmeric, garlic, and ginger.
Now let us have a look at the facts.
Unknown Facts About It:
- Black peppercorn comes from dried fruit peppercorn.
- This spice grows in a humid climate that allows the soil to be not too dry and not too wet. It grows in very particular weather.
- Black Pepper grows in tropical regions and mainly in Southern regions of India.
- Black Pepper accounts for 20% of the total spice trade across the world and is largely produced in countries like India, Vietnam, Brazil, and Indonesia.
- USA is the biggest consumer of Black Pepper accounting for 18% of usage.
- India has become the largest exporter of Black Pepper due to the growing international demands.
- Black peppercorns are taken off when they ripe and then they are dried in sun for several days.
- They are green when they are stripped from the tree and change color while drying.
- Black Pepper is rich in Vitamin A and C and it is also high in caffeine content
- During the Middle Ages black pepper had worth more than silver.
The next time you include Black Pepper powder in you meals, remember you’re eating something even costlier than silver!
