Under natural conditions, allspice grows in the subtropics, outwardly resembling an elegant climbing vine stretching up tree trunks. Numerous photos of the crop clearly demonstrate its ability to reach 20 meters in length.
Black pepper plantations. Photo 2
The antibacterial, preservative, antioxidant and medicinal properties of spiced peas have been known since the Middle Ages. Today, 1/3 of the world's population is admirers and connoisseurs of this unique spice.
How and where black pepper grows in nature
Hindustan is considered the birthplace of the perennial plant of the pepper family.
In Sanskrit, pepper is called by one of the names of the sun - “marich”.
In the wild, the habitat of the Malabar berry, named after the islands of the same name, is tropical jungle. The regions where agricultural crops are grown include Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Malaysia, Vietnam, Brazil, Borneo and Sumatra, Cuba and Jamaica.
Under natural conditions, black pepper (Piper nigrum) is represented by a tree-like vine with hanging aerial roots. Leathery, ovoid leaf plates with pointed edges at first glance look like plastic. Such a plant can develop well without support, stretching up to 1.5–2 m.
Black pepper plantations. Photo
White or grayish-yellow small buds form elegant earrings-inflorescences, reaching a length of about 10 cm.
The fruits of the liana are single-seeded, round-shaped drupes (berry diameter is up to 5 mm) that initially grow green and become red after ripening. Black peas are obtained both from unripe berries and at the stage of their ripening. One infructescence can have up to 30 drupes. The seed production of the crop lasts for 25–30 years.
Black pepper grows like this in nature.
The modern black pepper market has reached 270 thousand tons. For example, over 200 enterprises are engaged in the cultivation and processing of spices on Vietnamese plantations; in total, the country produces about 60% of the world's exports of fragrant spices.
Growing black pepper
Black pepper is grown in Sri Lanka, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and Brazil. Plant growth is limited to a height of 5 m. It grows on tall rods, similar to hops. It begins to bear fruit after three years. Plantings can be used for 15-20 years. The harvest is harvested when the fruits begin to turn red. During the process of drying in the sun, the fruits turn black. Black pepper is better the harder, darker, heavier it is. 1000 grains of good quality black pepper should weigh exactly 460 g. Therefore, in ancient times, black pepper served as a weighing scale for weighing pharmaceutical products that required great precision.
White pepper has a more subtle taste, a noble and strong aroma and is valued higher. White pepper is obtained in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.
Nutrient content: The spiciness of pepper depends on piperine. In addition, it contains pyroline, chavicin, sugar, enzyme, essential oils and starch, alkaloids, gum. It should be borne in mind that essential oils will evaporate if pepper is stored improperly.
Black pepper fruits. © Scot Nelson
Black pepper (Piper nigrum). © Stephen Setukavala
Varieties for growing at home
Black peppercorns grow (photos of the crop clearly demonstrate its varieties) not only on plantations, but also at home. The uniqueness of the presented culture lies in the fact that from one specimen it is possible to collect berries with a varied aroma and taste at certain stages of ripening.
These criteria allow you to obtain fruits with the following features:
- green peppercorns are unripe fruits that, after picking, are subjected to heat treatment in a drying oven, becoming black and wrinkled;
- white peppercorns - harvested in a mature state, which is soaked after preliminary preparation in sea water, then the shell is peeled off the berries using a special technique.
With a slow drying process, the ripened red fruits make up the very bitter and specific Podisheri variety.
The table shows several varieties of peppercorns used in home cultivation:
| Name of culture | Short description |
| Betel | This species is a hybrid. The liana forms spreading bushes with a lush crown. Although the plant is distinguished by active flowering and a large number of formed ovaries, the berry yield is not very high. Fruit ripening occurs in 95–100 days. |
| Tellicherry | This brand of Indian pepper, which is grown near the city of Thalassari, belongs to the elite varieties of the plant. Black-brown peas stand out from other analogues of such products by their large size (diameter - from 4.75 mm), high density and complex and bright spicy-fruity aroma, recognizable by spice connoisseurs. Each fruit has no “voids” and is therefore completely suitable for sowing. |
| Malabar | The plant is grown in the state of Kerala. The black-brown berries are characterized by a very large size and a distinctive aroma. The high alkaloid content in the fruit gives it a particularly bitter taste. In an apartment, such a culture develops well over several years. |
| Ceylonese | This pepper variety is grown on the island of Sri Lanka. Of all the existing varieties, this is the hottest spice, since it contains the alkaloids capsaicin and piperine. The fruits are used as raw materials for obtaining extracts, so an elegant bush in a room will be a wonderful element of the interior. |
| Chu Xie | The homeland of the presented black pepper variety is Vietnam, but it began to be grown for export relatively recently. The diameter of the peas does not exceed 3 mm, the piperine content is quite low - about 4%. Thanks to the efforts of the best breeders, the country has taken a leading position among other spice producers. |
| Lampong | This variety is cultivated in Indonesia and is grown locally on the island of Sumatra. The name of the pepper comes from the province of the same name, where the bulk of the plantations are located. The size of the peas, compared to Malabar fruits, is very modest, and the color is close to a dark gray shade. However, the main characteristics of peas are in no way inferior to the same indicators of their famous “brothers”. |
| Brazilian | The presented variety is a relatively new product on the world market, appearing in the 60s. Since that time, this variety of pepper from Brazil has proven itself to be the best and has taken a worthy position among similar spices. The skin of the fruit is smooth and black, although the inside is light/creamy/creamy in color. |
| Sarawak | The plant is cultivated on the coast of Borneo in Malaysia. When purchasing peppercorns for planting, it is recommended to give preference to packaging with a brown label. Such seed material will give good results for growing plants at home. |
| Chinese | Plantations of the famous spice are located on the island. Hainan. The cultivation of pepper here has been known since time immemorial, but production began for export relatively recently. The skin of the berries has a grayish tint, the taste of the fruit is very soft and piquant. |
The plantation of the plant in the photo shows how black peppercorns grow in nature.
Black peppercorns grow (photos of the crop will help you choose the desired variety) not only in natural conditions, but also at home with proper and regular care.
Characteristics of black pepper by origin
- MALABAR. A large amount of black pepper comes from the state of Kerala, which is located in the southwestern part of India (Malabar coast). Today, all Indian peppers are usually called Malabar peppers. Pepper berries are large and have a strong aroma. Its essential oils contain a rich aromatic bouquet. It has a high content of piperine, and this gives it its pungency.
- LAMPONG. Indonesia, and mainly the island of Sumatra, is another major producer of premium quality black pepper. The pepper is grown in Lampong province in the southeastern part of the island of Sumatra, and is shipped from the port of Pandang. Pepper from Lampong is not inferior in quality to Indian pepper. It is just as spicy and aromatic, it contains a high content of essential oils and piperine. A characteristic difference from Indian pepper is that the pepper is smaller in size. Ground pepper from Lampong is slightly lighter than Indian pepper.
- BRAZILIAN. Brazil is a major pepper producer that has just recently entered the market. Peppers are grown in the northern state of Pará, along the Amazon River. Plantations were created only in 1930, and a harvest sufficient for export trade was obtained only in 1957. Since then, Brazil has been one of the main suppliers of black and white pepper. Brazilian black pepper has a relatively smooth surface and a distinctive appearance. The skin of the pepper is black, and the inside of the berry is creamy white.
- CHINESE. Only recently has it begun to be exported to the foreign market, although it is constantly grown in China. It is very light in color and mild in taste. Grown mainly on Hainan Island, southeast of the mainland.
- SARAWAK. The former British colony of Sarawak (now part of the Republic of Malaysia) along the northwestern coast of Borneo is the world's other pepper producer. Port of shipment v Kuching. The bulk of Sarawak pepper goes to Singapore for transhipment and new shipments around the world, especially to the UK, Japan and Germany.
- CEYLON. Now the country is officially called Sri Lanka, but the pepper (like tea) is called Ceylon. It departs from Colombo, the capital and main seaport of the country. This pepper is used mainly for the production of extracts, as it has a high content of hot essential oils, piperine and capsicin.
OTHER. These are Madagascar, Thailand, Nigeria and Vietnam. Pepper is produced in small quantities. Now Vietnam is strengthening its position, but the quality of pepper there does not always meet the requirements for good quality pepper.
There are two main qualities of pepper - its pungency (due to piperine) and aroma (depending on the content of essential oils). The best is considered to be the densest and heaviest pepper of the highest quality from the Malabar coast of India. This is Malabar Grade 1 or MG1. Its density is 570-580 grams per liter. This pepper is very economical to use and is recommended for use in the production of boiled sausages.
Where to get seeds
Black pepper is a single-seeded plant, so each fruit contains only one seed. Finding material for planting in this form on specialized trading platforms (in stores, on Internet sites) is extremely difficult, therefore, for sowing crops at home, in most cases the berries of the plant themselves are used.
You can buy a bag of peas at your nearest supermarket. In this case, it is advisable to give preference to well-known and trusted manufacturers of such products. It is recommended to use the largest specimens with the darkest color possible.
Composition and calorie content
The beneficial properties of black pepper are based on its rich composition. It contains many active substances.
- Vitamin A can maintain visual acuity and eye health. This substance is a strong antioxidant, therefore, helps protect the body from premature aging.
- Vitamin B1 strengthens the immune system and normalizes the activity of the central nervous system. The substance helps speed up metabolism. In addition, this component helps to activate brain functions.
- Vitamin B2 is useful for frequent headaches, irritability, and deteriorating hair and nail health.
- Vitamin B6 ensures better absorption of protein and fats. Pyridoxine protects the body from nervous disorders and also prevents the development of skin diseases. In addition, the substance helps relieve nausea, reduces pain and muscle cramps, and improves numbness in the hands. This vitamin also works as a natural diuretic.
- Vitamin B9 regulates blood pressure, reduces the likelihood of heart attack and stroke. This element is characterized by the ability to improve memory and concentration.
- Ascorbic acid is responsible for strengthening the immune system, accelerating the healing process after fractures and various injuries. Vitamin C also prevents the development of gum disease.
- Tocopherol has the ability to lower blood pressure. The substance helps reduce the risk of tumor development and blood clots. Vitamin E has a positive effect on the dermis, hair and nails.
- Vitamin K ensures kidney health and takes part in the formation of the children's skeleton. This element also regulates blood glucose levels. In addition, vitamin K has analgesic properties.
- Black pepper contains an alkaloid called piperine. It is this substance that gives the pungent taste to all varieties of representatives of the Pepper family. Its features have been used by people since ancient times. This glycoside stimulates the activity of amino acids in the intestinal lumen, as a result of which decay products are removed from the body.
- Piperine stimulates the synthesis of serotonin and beta-endorphins in the brain. The alkaloid prevents seizures and ensures the production of adrenaline. This component is also responsible for regulating contractions of the digestive tract and reducing the level of acidity in gastric juice. When this substance enters the body, the likelihood of stomach ulcers decreases and the synthesis of digestive system enzymes improves. Piperine enhances the production of the pigment melanin, reduces inflammation that occurs as a result of allergies, and also reduces asthma symptoms.
- Small peas contain a number of micro- and macroelements important for health. These include iron, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, fluorine and others.
100 g of black grains contain 251 kcal.
Landing dates
The presented overseas culture is capable of growing and developing exclusively in subtropical conditions , and therefore it is possible to grow it in Russia only in warm zones. However, in other, colder regions, a window sill, balcony or loggia is quite suitable for these purposes when creating the most comfortable conditions for the plant.
It is recommended to plant peas in spring or early summer.
Description of the plant Black pepper
Indoor peppers are extremely popular. True, we are almost always talking about the usual capsicums - both sweet and hot, and purely decorative. Unlike plants from genus of the Solanaceae family, genuine peppers from Piper genus of the Pepper family are not truly exotic for everyone. Their fruits firmly hold the title of the most widespread spice on the planet. And the beauty of the vines that bear fruit, as well as the cultivar as a houseplant, is something that people only take a closer look at.
Black pepper, pepper vine, Malabar berry (Piper nigrum) is a large, powerful, large-leaved, semi-woody vine. In nature it reaches 15 m, in rooms it is usually limited to 2 meters. The shoots are thin, very flexible, with aerial roots growing from leaf nodes and absorbing moisture from the air. The simple ovate leaves with a leathery surface look very beautiful. With a length of up to 10 cm, they reach 7 cm in width. And they are surprised by the formation of “eggs” - white grain-like formations, gradually darkening to almost black. They are very easy to confuse with traces of pests, but there is no need to be afraid, treat them with anything or remove them.
The flowering of pepper seems exotic: inconspicuous grayish flowers in drooping inflorescences-earrings can hardly be seen. The same cannot be said about the fruits ripening in their place. Round drupes with one seed, up to 0.5 cm in diameter, gradually turn red when ripe. Dense, sinuous fruits from 7 to 14 cm long are very decorative. From fruits collected at different stages and processed differently, not only black pepper is obtained, but also white, green, and pink. One plant can bear fruit twice a year for longer than 25 years - the older, the more abundantly. If the vine blooms in the rooms, it is not abundant. And very often it simply drops its inflorescences.
Black pepper, pepper vine, Malabar berry (Piper nigrum).
Selection and preparation of soil, containers, seeds
For home cultivation, you should prepare light, air- and moisture-permeable soil, consisting of the following components in percentage:
- drainage soil - 25;
- leaf soil - 50;
- coarse river sand – 25.
To grow a healthy and beautiful vine, you should use nutritious, coarse and loose soil. If you use a universal substrate (earth mixture), it must be supplemented with a portion of fine bark, perlite, sphagnum, which will improve soil aeration.
If the soil is too acidic (normal values for pepper are pH 5.5–6.5), lime must be added to the composition.
When choosing seed material, it is recommended to take into account the following recommendations:
- For planting, it is possible to use exclusively black peas. Red/white/green seeds do not have germination and are not suitable for these purposes, since such granules are subject to additional processing;
- When purchasing pepper products, you should make sure that their packaging period does not exceed 12 months. It is these peas that have good quality and ripeness, as well as better germination;
- The purchased material must be sorted, for which it is necessary to select the largest specimens and soak them for 24 hours in warm (about 30 °C) drinking water. The berries that remain at the bottom of the dish will be of high quality and suitable for planting. It is advisable to treat suitable fruits with a growth stimulator;
- Experienced plant growers advise pre-germinating the seed material - laying it out with a damp cloth and leaving it like that until spitting.
This crop - black pepper with multi-colored peas - grows best in plastic pots (as seen in the photographs) with holes in the bottoms to allow excess moisture to escape. It is this kind of container, unlike ceramic products, that prevents stagnation of liquid, eliminates rotting of plant roots, and ensures air permeability of the soil.
The diameter of the container/container should be smaller than its height. A pot that meets these requirements keeps the soil moist better than other analogues.
How to grow black pepper at home
Black pepper is a subtropical plant; it will not grow and bear fruit in our climate, so the overseas spice can only be grown on a windowsill. The best time to plant black pepper is in the spring.
Where to get seeds
For planting, you can use black pepper, which is sold in grocery stores. You should select the largest and darkest peas from the bag.
If the pepper was packaged more than 12 months ago, it is unlikely to sprout
Note! Only black pepper can be used for sowing. White, green, and red peas do not germinate.
How to sow correctly
Selected peas need to be soaked in warm (+22–25 degrees) water for 24 hours. Full seeds should sink to the bottom, and those that remain on the surface should be removed - they will not germinate. After a day, it is recommended to treat the swollen seeds with a growth stimulator (Epin, Bud, Ovary). Before sowing, it is better to germinate the seeds:
- A small container is filled with moistened river sand, which must first be washed and calcined in the oven.
- The prepared seeds are placed between moistened layers of gauze, which is laid on top of the sand.
- The container is covered with a transparent film and placed in a warm place. The sand temperature should not fall below +25 degrees. It is recommended to periodically lift the covering material for ventilation and spraying.
Optimal growing conditions
Black pepper, capable of growing only in areas with a warm subtropical climate, will inevitably die if the air temperature drops below +8...+10 °C, therefore it is not possible to grow the vine in open ground or in greenhouses.
It is recommended to cultivate black pepper at home when creating the required microclimate in the room and ensuring the following conditions:
- For such purposes, a warm room with east and west windows and good but indirect lighting is suitable. If there is a lack of light, you can use special fluorescent phytolamps;
- The ideal air temperature for crop development is considered to be +22…+25 °C;
- in winter, when the plant enters a dormant period, such indicators are t +16, but not lower than +10 °C.
- The place where pepper vines are grown should be slightly darkened to prevent sunlight from entering the plant:
- the pot of black pepper should be protected from drafts;
- foreign crops need moist air, ideally up to 80%, so next to the pot it is advisable to place a not very large tray with wet pebbles, sphagnum (peat moss) or special humidifiers.
Black peppercorns grow (photos of the crop allow us to take into account the peculiarities of its home cultivation) with full adherence to agrotechnical rules.
Uses of black pepper
Black pepper promotes digestion and the Romans consumed it in large quantities. But this cannot be recommended. However, in the quantities in which it is used in our cuisine, it does not pose any harm to health.
Pepper is used for soups, gravies, sauces, vegetable salads, marinades, in the preparation of all types of meat, including game, savoy cabbage, beans, peas, lentils, sauerkraut, goulash, eggs, cheeses, tomatoes, fish, canned vegetables and for large the number of other dishes that are prepared in our kitchen. Homemade pig slaughter, sausage production and a whole range of meat products cannot be done without black pepper.
Black pepper is the most versatile spice for many dishes. It goes on sale in the form of peas or ground. Ground peppercorns have the greatest aroma. Ground black pepper is used to season various dishes, minced meats, and fillings. Pepper is added to dishes shortly before cooking, otherwise, with prolonged cooking, the dish becomes excessively bitter. It is recommended to store ground pepper in hermetically sealed packaging, otherwise it will quickly fizzle out and lose its properties.
Along with allspice and red capsicum , black pepper is widely used in the canning industry in the production of vegetable marinades, salads, and canned meat. If in the listed cases black pepper is used in the form of peas, then in soups, gravies and sauces, sausages and cheeses - only ground.
Black pepper fruits in different stages of ripening. © breki74
Plant care
Malabar berry is a plant that is extremely sensitive to any changes in its conditions, so it is necessary to carry out all the procedures recommended by experts for comfortable and healthy development.
In addition to the above requirements, caring for the vine consists of the following activities:
- to maintain proper humidity, excess moisture should be drained from the tray regularly;
- before the next irrigation, you need to wait until the top 2–3 cm layer of soil dries out, and only after that moisten the soil again;
- The young plant should be replanted annually in new containers. For an adult crop, such manipulations should be carried out at least once every 2 years in the spring using the transshipment method. And it is also necessary to organize such events when the roots are too overgrown. However, one must take into account the fact that pepper does not tolerate transplantation well, so this should be done only in due time or when objective reasons arise;
- it is necessary to install a support in the container with pepper, which the flexible vine, as in nature, will wrap around, actively stretching in height. Using such devices, you can form elegant circles, columns, screens, and other desired shapes;
- The plant needs formative and sanitary pruning. To do this, it is necessary to completely cut out the dried parts, shorten the extra ones that are too long in height, and other long lashes;
- The health of the crop also depends on the timely control of diseases - if the watering regime is violated, the pepper may suffer from rot. The plant is not afraid of parasite attacks, as they are repelled by the toxicity of the foliage and the rather strong smell of the vine.
Compliance with all the established rules for caring for pepper will bring the desired result - already in the second year after planting, the plant will begin to actively bloom and bear its fragrant fruits.
Types of spices
Black pepper is obtained from the unripe fruits of the plant. In order to clean them and prepare them for drying, the fruits are quickly scalded in hot water. Heat treatment destroys the cell wall of the pepper, accelerating the work of the enzymes responsible for “browning.” The fruits are then dried in the sun or by machines for several days. During this time, the fruit shell dries out and darkens around the seed, forming a thin, wrinkled black layer. The fruits dried in this way are called black peppercorns. Black pepper is used both as whole peas and ground - both as a separate seasoning and in a variety of mixtures.
White pepper is the mature seeds of black pepper, devoid of the pericarp. Typically, to obtain white pepper, the ripe fruits are soaked in water for about one week. As a result of soaking, the shell of the fruit decomposes and softens, after which it is separated and the remaining seeds are dried. There are alternative methods for separating the shell from pepper seeds, including mechanical, chemical and biological.
White pepper has a light gray color, has a more delicate taste, a noble and strong aroma. This spice has almost the same uses as black pepper.
Green pepper, like black pepper, is obtained from unripe fruits. Dried green peas are processed in such a way as to preserve the green color, for example using sulfur dioxide or by freeze-drying (dry drying). In a similar way, pink (red) peppers are also obtained from ripe fruits (pink pepper from Piper nigrum must be distinguished from the more common pink pepper made from the fruits of Peruvian peppers or Brazilian peppers).
Green and red peppercorns are also pickled or used fresh (mainly in Thai cuisine). The smell of fresh peas is described as fresh and zesty, with a vibrant aroma.
Rules for watering and fertilizing
The presented crop requires very frequent irrigation in the summer and very careful water procedures in the winter. Black pepper suffers from excessive dampness and stagnation of liquid, but does not tolerate drying out of the soil at all, so in the summer you need to monitor the condition of the top 2-3 cm layer - it should be watered as soon as the soil becomes dry.
With the arrival of autumn, the depth of the dried soil should be 4–5 cm, the volume of irrigation should be gradually reduced, and then stopped altogether - with this treatment, the pepper will go into the dormant phase.
The vine should be watered exclusively with filtered and settled water at room temperature. All moisture remaining in the pan after 30 minutes. after the activities, it is necessary to drain. The crown of the plant responds especially well to daily spraying from a spray bottle.
The correct development of the vine directly depends on regular fertilizing, which is recommended to be carried out according to the following method:
- The first time such measures must be carried out after the first true leaf appears on the seedling. As a top dressing, you should use settled water and chicken manure at a ratio of 10:1;
- upon the onset of spring and summer, it is recommended to use store complexes intended for deciduous plants;
- in the warm season, the soil should be fertilized once every 7 days; in the fall there is no need to carry out such activities.
Black peppercorns grow (photos of the Malabar berry help you master the algorithm for irrigation and the order of fertilizing) at their best when the rules of caring for the climbing vine are systematically followed.
Wide range of uses and consumption rates of peppercorns
Everyone knows that the use of any food additive in the home kitchen in the form of an aromatic seasoning made from wrinkled black peppercorns can add freshness and a unique aroma to any culinary dish.
Apparently, this is why this natural spice of plant origin has received universal recognition throughout the world and is valued as an appetizing additive that enhances food taste. Peppercorns are used:
- not only in first and second courses,
- but also used in sauces and drinks
- and even in dessert baked goods and confectionery sweets,
perfectly combined:
- with fruits and vegetables,
- cereals and fresh herbs,
and being a traditional preservative with an antibacterial effect, it is often used in home preparations, as it protects the human body from serious incurable infections caused by living microorganisms in food products.
Most often, pepper seasoning is consumed in ground form, but I recommend that you best buy it in the form of round peppercorns and grind it yourself in a hand mill with metal millstones, which you can buy in a chain of stores, to better preserve volatile substances:
- fixed price and tape,
- ikea and leroy merlin,
- m video and Eldorado.
As for the daily norm of eating freshly ground hot black pepper, I personally grind the fragrant seasoning in a volume of 3 to 7 revolutions of a home mill for one serving of food.
This amount of ground pepper for my 3 meals a day every 4 hours is considered optimal, since my taste preferences for spicy food are so familiar that they allow me to easily adjust its amount, both up and down.
According to professional culinary specialists and cooks of Caucasian cuisine, this unique spicy product is the most powerful stimulant of digestive processes, having a magical effect on the human body, apparently, therefore, the benefits of its use are very diverse.
After all, not everyone knows about the wonderful medicinal properties of this wonderful plant, which is a natural aphrodisiac with small but effective black pepper fruits. Because they contain a rich composition of nutritional vitamins and complete microelements.
The ever-accelerating rhythm of life negatively affects the health of modern people, because in some cases:
- Immense physical activity increases, which has a detrimental effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system with the appearance of frequent muscle spasms,
- a sedentary lifestyle with a huge lack of physical activity, the consequences of which are expressed in excess weight and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Therefore, with the combined use of medicinal food plants and black peppercorns in daily food, you can effectively protect yourself from food contamination and easily prevent the onset of concomitant serious health problems.
This most effective digestive stimulant will easily cleanse the bowel organs of harmful toxins, and for men it will perfectly warm up the body muscles and cope with premature baldness.
The extraordinary power of peppercorns will undoubtedly be appreciated by the weaker female sex, since it will slowly but quite effectively cope with extra pounds, while maintaining the beauty and youth of the skin.
Hot pepper is very useful:
- for indigestion and intestinal cholera, bronchial asthma and hemorrhoids,
- bladder infections and chronic fever,
- in the treatment of radiculitis and paralysis syndromes
as a laxative and tonic.
For headaches, relief comes immediately if you lightly inhale black pepper, well ground to the consistency of powder or dust. Colds can be easily cured if you chew 1 pea of black allspice 5 times a day.
At elevated temperatures, try adding a slice of lemon and a small pinch of pepper to the brewed tea. The elevated temperature will also go away with the sweat released if, after drinking hot tea, you cover yourself with a warm blanket and sweat properly. In addition, pepper will warm up the lungs and at the same time remove wet mucus from them.
If you have a strong cough after eating, slowly dissolve a medicinal mixture of a teaspoon of lemon and ground black pepper in your mouth. If your spleen is noticeably enlarged, then grind the pepper grains in table vinegar and spread it on the sore spot. If there is an enlarged goiter, then the area of the goiter should be lubricated with a vegetable paste of ground pepper and pine needles.
To strengthen the nerves and stimulate the liver, you need to take black pepper orally.
It is also good for kidney function, as it promotes urination. It will also help with chronic dysentery, and with paralysis of the limbs, it is necessary to apply to them a mixture of ground pepper and sesame oil, heated over low heat.
A thin layer of crushed pepper powder will help get rid of viral warts and pigmented freckles, and black pepper powder mixed with sour yogurt will help with sebaceous acne.
Black pepper will also help you with toothache; if you rub the inflamed neck of the gum with pepper powder, the pain will gradually subside.
Medical contraindications and features of growing spicy peppers
In terms of popularity of use, black peppercorns take second place of honor after table salt, so reasonable measures are necessary in its use, since the natural product carries not only great benefits.
Despite the frequent use of a spicy food product in folk medicine as a natural medicine, in some cases pepper can have harmful effects:
- for individual intolerance with chronic allergies and young children under five years of age,
- for gastritis of the stomach and peptic ulcer of the duodenum 12 with erosion of the esophagus,
- during pregnancy and breastfeeding,
- during inflammation of the throat and oral cavity,
since during the period of a pathological disease state and following a diet, spicy additives from hot peppers aggravate their negative effect on most human organs. Therefore, before you start using this spicy spice, consult your doctor.
The wonderful taste of the favorite pepper spice with its specific aroma forces avid gourmets who love this common seasoning to try to independently reproduce the exotic pepper plant at home.
Of course, you definitely won’t be able to grow it in a summer cottage with an unstable climate, but you can try it in a warm room at home or a heated spacious greenhouse, since this climbing wonder plant has its own specific growing characteristics.
The material for planting in the prepared turf-sandy soil is the pea seeds themselves, which I recommend you choose only the freshest, paying attention to the date of packaging of the peppercorns, no more than 2 months have passed since sealing.
The best time to plant peppercorns is early summer. Open the package of pepper and select the largest purchased black pepper fruits, which you place in a small bowl and fill with warm water to soften.
Within a day, sow them in warm soil to an average depth of about 1.5 centimeters, lightly moistening the soft soil as needed. It is best if you slightly cover the place where you plant the pepper with light transparent plastic, through which you can easily observe the first emerging sprouts of young pepper.
I’ll make a reservation right away that the germination of pepper seeds is not very good, so sow a slightly larger quantity. During the planting period, a fairly warm air temperature ranging from +250C to +300C is considered favorable for pepper, where an extremely undesirable value can be +100C.
After exactly 30 days, the primary sprouts of pepper should sprout. When the second leaf appears on them, the pepper seedlings can be transplanted into a separate flower pot, where after 10 days the first mineral fertilizing with complex fertilizers can be applied.
The pepper plant is moisture-loving, so monitor the condition of the soil:
- don't let it dry out
- so keep it moisturized while
settled room water. As the plant grows, it must be replanted once every two years into a larger pot, where for the proper development of the plant, I recommend installing a reliable support that will wrap around the growing heat-loving plant.
Flowering of the pepper plant can be observed in mid-spring, and you will receive the first ripe fruits of peppercorns already in the second year of the plant’s life.
Just remember to humidify the dry air of the air space near the growing pepper vine from time to time by spraying it with small drops of water 1-2 times a day from a liquid spray bottle. Because homemade peppercorns love moderate moisture and cannot tolerate direct, burning sunlight.
Black pepper propagation
It is possible to grow new specimens of the crop using the methods given in the table:
| Method name | Brief instructions |
| Seeds |
It is better to place 1 copy per container so as not to injure the sprouts with additional picking. |
| By layering |
Further care of the plant is carried out in the usual manner. |
| Cuttings |
Plants need to be moistened periodically as usual. |
The most difficult method of propagating pepper vines, which is most often used by experienced plant growers, is considered to be by seed.
The simplest method for obtaining a new plant is considered to be growing seedlings by layering.
Black pepper in cosmetology
A spice like black pepper is popular even in cosmetology.
- Using the seasoning, you can prepare a cleansing face mask. To obtain such an effective scrub, you should mix cottage cheese and pepper in equal quantities until a homogeneous mass with a paste-like structure is formed. The resulting mixture must be applied to the face and kept for about 15 minutes. After this, the mask should be washed off with cold water, then you can use a cleansing lotion.
- For hair loss, a mask aimed at combating such an unpleasant problem will come in handy. To prepare such a mixture, just mix salt with black pepper and onion juice in equal quantities. This mass must be applied to the hair and left for about 40 minutes. After the specified time, the composition must be washed off using shampoo. Regular use of this product will help make your hair stronger.
- For thicker hair, there is another mask, which requires a teaspoon of honey, a pinch of crushed spice and a couple of drops of lemon squeeze. All elements should be thoroughly mixed in a container, after melting the honey. The mask should be applied directly to the hair roots. This mask should be left on for no more than 15–20 minutes. To improve the effect, you can use an additional ingredient in the form of burdock or castor oil. It is recommended to use this product no more than twice a week.
Note!
You should not apply black pepper-based masks to your facial skin if it has wounds or irritation. This can lead to a severe reaction.
Tips and tricks for home growing
In order to avoid making unforgivable and irreparable mistakes when cultivating black pepper, you need to take into account the experience of experienced plant growers, which consists of the following recommendations:
- the presented plant needs constant and proper care - compliance with watering and lighting regimes, avoiding sudden changes in light and temperature, immediate response to emerging problems;
- periodically it is necessary to expose the pot of pepper to fresh air;
- the reasons for leaf mass falling, liana growth stopping/inhibition, and internodes appearing most often lie in a lack of nutrients, lighting, and dry air in the room;
- Yellowing of the leaves can occur due to excessive watering or stagnation of liquid in the tray/pot. In this case, you need to adjust the irrigation and also organize additional fertilizing;
- the formation of convex light spots on the back of the plates is not a cause for great concern - such changes are cultural characteristics;
- darkened or dried leaf plates are evidence of insufficient hydration of the plant. To correct the situation, more frequent but moderate irrigation should be carried out;
- if the ends turn yellow, and not the entire leaf, the plant is exposed to burning rays of the sun. In this case, the pot with the crop must be moved to a dark place or curtains made of fabric/paper should be used.
Black pepper grows well when planted as a pea, if you follow all the developed instructions with the attached photos, and constantly devote a little personal time and attention to the elegant vine.
Black pepper: benefits and harm to the body
Any food given to us by nature itself has useful and not so useful qualities. We have studied the beneficial properties of black pepper and contraindications. And this is what we managed to find out.
Black pepper contains a lot of useful substances. This product contains the following bioactive components and vitamins:
- choline;
- riboflavin;
- tocopherol;
- beta-carotene;
- vitamins of group “B”, as well as “C”, “K”, “E”, “PP”;
- folic and pantothenic acids;
- calcium, zinc, copper, iron;
- potassium, selenium, manganese, fluorine;
- cellulose;
- ash.
Per 100 grams of product:
- proteins – 10.4 grams;
- fats – 3.3 grams;
- carbohydrates – 38.7 grams.
The total amount of calories is 251 Kcal.
Black pepper: benefits
Due to the rich content of minerals and vitamins, the product in question is endowed with the ability to have a positive effect on the human body.
It is worth highlighting the following beneficial properties of black pepper:
- thins the blood, saturates it with vitamins;
- cleanses blood vessels and strengthens their walls;
- promotes the dissolution of cholesterol plaques;
- strengthens the immune system, creates a protective barrier against colds;
- helps stabilize the intestines and digestive tract;
- strengthens stool, helps cope with diarrhea;
- helps increase tissue elasticity;
- helps break down fat deposits;
- cures acne, cleanses the skin;
- protects oral tissues and tooth enamel from infections and destruction;
- has a positive effect on mood, forms appetite;
- increases performance, smoothes out the symptoms of chronic fatigue.
Of course, a pronounced effect from consuming black pepper is not observed in all cases. For example, having tasted a dish to which this spice has been added, you will only enjoy the taste and appreciate the attractive aroma. It is likely that this will cheer you up a little! However, significant changes in general health will not be noted. Black pepper rather has a cumulative effect. Although there are traditional medicine recipes where black pepper plays a major role and is used to obtain a quick and lasting effect. For example, there is a folk remedy for diarrhea based on this spice. There are also recipes for ointments for the back and joints, remedies for colds and headaches. But for the most part, this seasoning serves as a good preventative that improves organ function and strengthens the body.
The main differences between black pepper and bell pepper and allspice
These are popular spices used in many countries. But there are a number of differences between these varieties.
| Comparison criteria | Black pepper | Allspice | bell pepper |
| Motherland | India | Latin America | Latin America |
| Appearance | Liana, 15-20 m long. Small inflorescences of white, lemon and gray shades. | Evergreen tree, growing up to 10-20 m. Small white inflorescences. | Presented in two varieties: annual and perennial shrub. Grows up to 120 cm in length. White flowers with purple or yellow veins. |
| Fruit | Green peas that turn red when ripe. During processing they become black. | Dark blue berries with nests containing seeds. | False hollow multi-seeded berry of various shapes and colors. |
All varieties grow best in hot, humid climates. But they are united by pronounced taste and aromatic properties. Therefore, these spices have become widespread.
Initially the peas are green
Pink pepper
You can often find bright pink (almost red) peppercorns in the pepper mixture. These are the fruits of tropical trees from the genus Chinus: Chinus soft (Peruvian pepper) and Chinus pistachiolist (Brazilian pepper). These two species are native to the American continent, but today these trees can be found in many regions with warm and mild climates - from New Zealand and Australia to the southern states of the United States. You should be careful with its use, as it can be toxic in large quantities.
Shinus pistachio - Brazilian pepper Shinus soft - Peruvian pepper
Black pepper treatment
Black peppercorns are widely used in folk medicine to treat various diseases. The medicinal properties that black pepper has can cope with many diseases. The benefits and harms of black pepper for the body brought by this product are determined individually. In some cases, the harm of black pepper can be hazardous to health.
Recipes containing pepper are used to treat respiratory diseases and gastrointestinal disorders.
Pepper tincture is known to relieve fever . To prepare the tincture you will need half a glass of vodka and a teaspoon of crushed pepper. Vodka needs to be heated to 50 degrees, add a spoonful of pepper, stir, and then pour into a dark glass bottle. After a few hours, strain the mixture, and you can take the medicine one teaspoon at a time.
To treat arthritis you need to prepare such a remedy. Mix pepper and hot sesame oil in a 2:1 ratio. Cool. Lubricate the sore joints with the resulting mixture using massaging movements. Soon the pain will subside.
To treat cough, it is recommended to take warm milk with pepper. You can also add a teaspoon of honey to the milk and pepper mixture. This will help cope with respiratory problems.
If the cough is dry, then you can take the following remedy: add a teaspoon of pepper and cinnamon to a glass of honey. The resulting mixture can be taken three times a day, a teaspoon, with water.
Since black pepper has antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, it is beneficial to apply to the skin . To do this, you can make various masks with the addition of ground pepper, for example, honey and pepper, or protein and pepper. Causing a slight burning sensation, pepper improves blood circulation. This mask will relieve inflammation, dry out rashes, and the pepper in the mask will also disinfect the skin.
Attention! Avoid getting the mask into your eyes and do not apply it around the eyes.
To lower blood pressure, experts advise taking half a glass of water with a pinch of black pepper every day. Pepper has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system.
For intestinal upset, the use of several peppercorns with a glass of water is recommended. Healthy spice peas will help restore the functioning of the digestive system.
Black pepper also helps cure hemorrhoids . In addition to pepper, you will also need cumin seeds, honey or sugar. You need to grind the peppercorns and cumin seeds in a coffee grinder, add the resulting powder to a spoon of honey and eat. The resulting product should be taken on an empty stomach daily. Black pepper is bitter, and to cover the bitter taste of pepper, you can replace honey with sugar.
You can make a pepper patch , which is used for rheumatism, colds or neuralgia. To do this, you need to take a teaspoon of ground pepper, flour and honey, and thoroughly mix all the healthy ingredients until a homogeneous mass is obtained. The mixture is applied to a piece of tissue and pressed onto the affected area. It is also advisable to cover the area with the patch with a blanket to make it even warmer. The black pepper patch should be kept on until a slight burning sensation appears. Then the patch is removed and the area where it is applied is wiped with warm water.
You can make pepper oil . For this you will need vegetable oil and pepper. Vegetable oil must be mixed with pepper (1 teaspoon of chopped pepper, which can be crushed in a mortar, per glass of oil). It is useful for muscle fatigue, after sports training or competitions. It is also used in cosmetology, applied to the scalp to prevent hair loss. Black pepper oil is an excellent anti-cellulite remedy. To do this, it is applied to the skin, and then either a wrap or a massage is done.
Pepper oil can also be taken orally with water. Using just a few drops of oil per day will relieve problems with appetite (or rather, the lack of it), help in the fight against colds and strengthen the immune system. This is an effective remedy for improving human health.
Note! It is possible to use black pepper for medicinal purposes. It is necessary to clarify with your doctor what possible benefits and harms to the body are possible, and what effect will be exerted on the body.
About the propagation of white peppercorns
White pepper propagation is carried out:
- cuttings,
- layering,
- dividing the bush.
1) In the first case, a cutting (or several) is prepared, on which there are 2-3 buds. Place the soil mixture, one part with leaf soil and two parts with sand. Cover with polyethylene to create a greenhouse effect.
The temperature should be maintained within 24°C. In 21 days, the root system will begin to develop. After which the plants should be transplanted into separate containers with a diameter of at least 9 cm.
2) Layers are shoots that, pressing against the soil (can be purposefully fixed), take root and give rise to the growth of the root system. Especially if you water them well and create good lighting conditions. Next, they are picked and transplanted into a separate pot.
3) This method only works for an adult plant.
Popular varieties and varieties
There are more than 1,500 varieties of this spice in nature. Below are the most famous types:
- Betel is known for its healing properties. In Asian countries, it is widely used not only in cooking, but also in folk medicine.
- “African pepper” - dried fruits and leaves are added to dishes.
- "Long pepper" is an Indonesian variety. Rarely found in European cuisine. Has a rejuvenating effect.
- “Intoxicating pepper” got its name due to its strong relaxing effect. At the same time, mental clarity is maintained, but can cause harm to the body due to excessive consumption.
These are the most famous varieties of black pepper and are found in the cuisines of many countries. Some of the listed varieties can only grow in hot countries.
