Black Pepper – Piper Nigrum
Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum)
Black Pepper, scientifically known as Piper nigrum, is one of the most widely used and valuable spices in the world. Often referred to as the “King of Spices,” black pepper has been a staple in global cuisine and traditional medicine for centuries. Native to the Malabar Coast of India, black pepper is known not only for its sharp, pungent flavor but also for its numerous health benefits. It is commonly used as a spice, preservative, and therapeutic agent in various traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Botanical Characteristics
- Common Names: Black Pepper, Kali Mirch (Hindi), Piper Nigrum, Gol Mirch, Marich (Sanskrit)
- Scientific Name: Piper nigrum
- Family: Piperaceae
- Appearance: Black pepper is a flowering vine that produces small, round, green fruits, which turn red when they mature. These fruits are dried to become the black peppercorns we use in cooking. The plant is native to the tropical regions of Southern India and Southeast Asia and grows in warm, humid climates.