10 spicy facts about pepper

Pepper – the simplest seasoning in the kitchen, but along with salt, the most important. We have found a few spicy facts for you that you might not have known.

1. In the Middle Ages, pepper was extremely rare and even served as currency.

2. Did you know that all the colors of true pepper actually come from one single berry, which is simply harvested at different stages of ripeness? The only true pepper comes from the pepper plant. From it, pepper berries of black, red, and white pepper are gradually harvested and dried at different times.

3. The pepper plant looks like our hop. It is a climbing plant that can reach up to 15 meters in height, can live up to 60 years, and bears fruit after three years.

4. Beware of fake peppers! Pink pepper, commonly available in spice mixes, is indeed nicely colored but grows on the branches of the Brazilian pepper tree, so it is just a poor relative of true pepper. The same goes for cayenne pepper, whose name arose from a mistranslation; it is actually ground chili peppers.

5. Did you know that each color of pepper can noticeably change the taste of your dish and that quality pepper should not be used in more than one color per dish? Each has its specific properties and flavor.

6. Do you guess what happens when you pour pepper into water? When you put the berries into a glass of water, they should sink to the bottom after a few minutes because they are full, heavy, and thus of good quality. Otherwise, the berries are hollow and of poor quality.

7. Did you know that quality pepper is a natural aphrodisiac? Thanks to its blood-circulating effects, it was added along with cinnamon and ginger to support male potency and ignite the right passion.

8. Our ancestors enjoyed pepper already 2,000 years before our era. Its popularity quickly grew, and by the 10th century, pepper was basically the most popular spice. For a long time, it was considered one of the most luxurious goods. Today, almost everyone can afford pepper, but there are many rare types, including Kampot pepper, which are sought-after rarities at a higher price.

9. The largest global producers of pepper are Vietnam, Indonesia, and India. However, here the rule applies that quantity does not mean quality. Peppers contain pesticides, their journey through commodity exchanges is very long, they spend many months on ships, so they often reach our supermarkets already stale and old. This mainly affects the final taste.

10. Quality pepper also brings many health benefits. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, and K. It also contains calcium, iron, fiber, and manganese. Moreover, it contains components that act anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.