LET’S TALK PEPPERCORNS
When most people think about pepper, they automatically think of black peppercorns. And while pepper used to be considered just pepper, and salt used to be just salt, there is so much more to these kitchen staples.
Black peppercorns start out as green berries, in little clusters on the vine. When picked at this stage, you get green peppercorns. After harvesting, they are dehydrated to stop them from ripening into black pepper. Green Peppercorns can be used as a substitute for black pepper, in dishes where you would like a milder pepper note, that will add just the right aroma to your dish. They work well in seafood dishes, as well as delicate sauces, and salad dressings.
As green peppercorns start ripening, they will turn from green to dark red, and eventually into black peppercorns – although their real colors might vary from light brown to a reddish tint to black.
A spike of peppercorns will have different-size berries, which are sorted by size into different grades. A larger sized berry will import a stronger flavor. Lampong Peppercorns are standard peppercorns and are ideal for daily use. Tellicherry Peppercorns are the largest and highest quality peppercorns and are picked when close to the pepper berry being ripe. This leads to a large, highly complex, and aromatic peppercorn which is excellent for use in pepper mills. It is preferred by most chefs over Lampong.
White peppercorns are black peppercorns that have their outer casing removed at maturity. White pepper has an earthy, almost musty, taste. It is a main flavor component of hot & sour soup and is commonly used in soups, sauces, and potato dishes. Preferred over black pepper for cooking because it does not darken delicate sauces.
FAUX PEPPERCORNS
How about our other peppercorns – pink, Szechuan, and grains of paradise? These are all “faux-peppercorns.”
Pink peppercorns are not a true member of the pepper genus, but rather a berry, the dried fruit of the Baies Rose Plant. That does not stop them from becoming a favorite in the kitchen. It can add a fruity and floral note to anything from meat dishes to desserts and cocktails. They pack some heat similar to chilis, so use them sparingly. Since they have a very soft outer shell, it is best to use a mortar and pestle to crush them, as they will most likely clog up your pepper mill.
Szechuan Pepper, also spelled Sichuan Pepper, has been a staple in Chinese cooking for a long time. It has slight citrus overtones, and it creates a tingly numbness in the mouth. This makes it a perfect addition to dishes where you want heat to shine through.
Grains of paradise, also known as Guinea Pepper and Melegueta Pepper. They import a zesty, peppery, floral flavor with hints of coriander and cardamom. It is widely used in North and West African cuisines. Use it in lieu of black pepper or add some to your pepper mill for a burst of brightness.
The last peppercorns we will talk about are mixed peppercorns. A colorful house blend of black, white, green and pink peppercorns, this combo can be used on any dish that can benefit from a pop of color.
How about pepper mesh or grind size? A mesh size is a standardized unit of measure denoting the number of holes per square inch in a sieve. A higher mesh size indicates a finer pepper.
In addition to whole peppercorns, we also offer a ¼ cracked black pepper, also called a butcher’s grind -which is about 8 mesh size. Traditionally used for Steak au Poivre, and any cuts of meat that could benefit from bold pop.
Our table grind black pepper, sized to an 18 mesh, is ideal for use as a table pepper for dispensing from a pepper shaker onto finished foods, while our fine white pepper powder is best for soups and sauce. The fine grind allows it to impart a lot of flavor rapidly.
Why does mesh size matter? Because a different size grind will change the tone of your dish. Like mentioned above, a quarter cracked pepper works wonderfully on the grill, but it can overpower a delicate dish like Chicken Piccata, while a fine black pepper might get lost on a roast. It all depends on what your expectations for that meal are.
Thanks for reading! Drop us a line and let us know if there is anything else you would like to learn about.
Any questions? We’re here to help.
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800-316-7965 - [email protected]
800-316-7965 - [email protected]
Atlantic Spice Company
2 Shore Road - North Truro MA 02652-0205 - USA
2 Shore Road - North Truro MA 02652-0205 - USA
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