Pepper
[ad_1]
Pepper is the most common spice of the whole world. It can be found at every dining table along side with the salt. Every one loves the spiciness of the pepper. It really peps up the food and gives an energetic mood to the ambience.
Pepper is originated in the hills of south Western Ghats of India. It is now grown in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brazil, Mexico and Guatemala apart from India. India consumes a major amount of pepper it produces. But Vietnam exports a major share thus tops the list of the exporters. The pepper grown in Kerala, India is considered as the finest pepper in the world. Two of the best known varieties of pepper belong to this region. They are known as Malabar Garbled and Tellichery Extra bold. The international Pepper Exchange is located in Kochi, India.
The botanical name of the plant is Piper Nigrum. It belongs to the family piperaceae. It is a climbing vine and it requires the support of a tree. Pepper is the dried fruit of the plant. The fruit is known as peppercorn and the dried one is known as pepper. The chemical in the pepper called piperine is responsible for the unique taste of pepper. Pepper can be obtained in many forms like frozen, dehydrated and freeze dried. Pepper is also available in brine.
Pepper is an excellent preservative and it is widely used by meat packers, in canning, pickling and baking industries. It has an uncanny capacity to correct the seasoning of the dish. Thus it is always used as a final fix in the preparation of every dish. Ground pepper loses its aroma quickly, hence pepper should be ground only immediately before the use. Pepper corns can be stored for many years without losing its flavor.
Pepper has medicinal properties also. It is excellent in the treatment of colds, flu and infections. It energizes and increases circulation. It warms up and relieves muscle aches and stiffness. Even the dried leaves and stalk of pepper plant are used as a spice and in seasoning.
[ad_2]
Source by Dhanya Narayanan
