Pepper is one of the most famous spices in domestic kitchens and simply belongs on every spice rack. No wonder, pepper is considered the parade spice par excellence. In addition to the fiery taste, the tropical climbing plant has a lot more to offer. You can find out what different types of pepper there are and what positive effects they can have in this article!


Pepper is not just pepper

Pepper is part of the pepper family, a tropical climbing plant that grows up to 15 meters high and originally comes from India. However, it is cultivated on 5 meter high poles, e.g. in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Brazil or East Africa. There is a yield of 4 kg of pepper fruits per plant. In total, up to 30 million kilograms of pepper are produced, of which only 2% are traded. The rest is consumed in the producing countries.

A distinction is made between black, white and green pepper. Black pepper is produced by harvesting the peppercorns before ripening and drying them in the warmth. It is characterized by its strong and spicy taste. White pepper is harvested ripe and then fermented or placed in water. This releases the fruit skin and the bright seed is obtained. This makes white pepper milder. For green pepper, immature fruits are placed in salt water.


The effect

Depending on the type of pepper, pepper is more or less spicy and burning in taste. This awakens and stimulates, especially the nerve-sensory system. You are more focused and cheerful. But pepper has a stimulating effect on the entire body. According to Dr. Bharat B. Aggarwal are activated with pepper digestive juices and the food can be digested better. Pepper can also relieve diarrhea, sore throats and colds. Pepper can also activate the immune system.


Pepper in the kitchen

Pepper classically goes well with soups, salads and vegetable dishes. In our opinion, white pepper with its mild taste is also well suited for light sauces. But white pepper also tastes great in rice dishes. Proper dosing is always important with hot, spicy pepper. In the whole food kitchen in particular, this should be handled with care so as not to overwhelm the development of other flavors that are more delicate and to leave enough space for other spice directions.


Giving proper pepper is not a proverb that comes from nowhere. Pepper not only gives dishes a proper dash of flavor, but also stimulates the body and mind!