Long Pepper, Indian

Botanical Name: Piper longum

Flavor: Pungent, Earthy, Peppery, Spicy, Woody, with Floral notes, and Sweet accents of Nutmeg, Cinnamon, and Cardamom

Origin: India

Use With: Chicken, Lamb, Beef, Pork, Game Meats, Fish, Seafood, Eggs, Tofu, Rice, Legumes, Paneer, and Vegetables

Description: Closely related to the black pepper plant (Piper nigrum) from which black, white, and green peppercorns are obtained, the Indian Long Pepper Plant produces fruits that consist of many tiny berries that merge into a single, rod-like structure that somewhat resembles a miniscule pinecone. Being so closely related, Indian Long Pepper (AKA ‘Bengal Pepper’, ‘Javanese Long Pepper’, ‘Indonesian Long Pepper’, and ‘Pippali’) has a similar taste to ‘common’ black pepper but is deeper, more complex, and simultaneously hotter (more pungent) and sweeter. Prior to the ‘discovery’ of the Americas and the introduction of the chile pepper to the world, Indian Long Pepper was used throughout South Asia, North and East Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and a large portion of Europe to impart its hot, spicy, yet sweet flavor to foods of all kinds and was THE source of spicy heat in India’s varied cuisines. With the introduction of the chile pepper came the decline of Indian Long Pepper in culinary use and is today almost completely replaced by chile peppers and/or black pepper.

Suggested Uses:

Seriously versatile and a perfect substitute for black, white, or green pepper in any application where a sweeter, spicier, and more complex accent is desired

• As it was in the past, Indian Long Pepper can be used as a substitute anywhere that you would use ‘Cayenne’, ‘red chile powder’, ‘crushed red pepper’, ‘pepper flakes’, or any dried chile powder
• Use with steamed or roasted vegetable especially artichokes, asparagus, tomatoes, and mushrooms
• Pairs exceptionally well with strawberries, mango, pineapple, plums, and watermelon so give a little sprinkle a try
• Use as a table condiment just like black, white, or green pepper to sprinkle over anything you desire
• Add it to marinades, sauces, soups, stews, stocks, gravies, curries, roasts, and braises
• Sprinkle over green salads, or add to your favorite salad dressings and dips
• Indian Long Pepper works exceptionally in the world of barbeque and grilling where it compliments grilled meats, fish, and vegetables and can be added to dry rubs and barbeque sauces for a unique peppery flavor