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Pepper- the King of spices:
Once called the Black Gold, Pepper is really the King of Spices. This unassuming spice has a great role in the world history. Black pepper was first introduced to ancient Greece and Rome by traders. The elite of Europe loved it. But only the rich and mighty in Europe could afford to buy this expensive spice. With passage of time, it’s worth increased manifold and even became a medium of exchange in trade. It was the quest for this very expensive spice that launched many ships to seek an alternate route to famed Malabar Coast in India. It changed the course of history forever. rnPiper nigrum, the scientific name literally translates to Black pepper. It is the fruit of a creeper that grows in the hot tropical climate. First discovered in Kerala, India, it is widely cultivated along the Malabar coast in the southern tip of India. A perennial crop, Black Pepper has been introduced to other parts of the world with similar climate. Still, indigenous pepper from India is preferred by many, especially the Tellicherry variety.rnThe degree of hotness and flavor differs in the various varieties and forms of Black Pepper. Pepper is used in a multiple of forms like:
Black pepper:
The berries are green when plucked which are then dried in Sun naturally or artificially to make Black pepper. One can use it as whole, powder or crushed flakes.
White Pepper:
The ripe berries are red in colour and White pepper is dried ripe berries with the pericarp( outer skin) removed and is less aromatic and spicy than black pepper. White pepper is also used as powder.
Green pepper: rnGreen pepper dried is dried green peppercorns which are plucked before they are mature. Green pepper in brine is preferred by some. The raw green pepper is also used to flavor certain sauces and curries.
Pink pepper: rnPink pepper in brine is ripe berries in brine. Red peeper on the other hand is a different spice altogether.
Significance in diet:
Black pepper is one of the healthier food ingredients. It has one of the lowest GI (Glycemic Index) and is a very good carminative. The calorific value of the spice is also an added attraction. Rich in nutrients, Black pepper is an important ingredient of a healthier diet. Black peppercorns have minerals like potassium, calcium, zinc, manganese, iron, and magnesium. As you can see, it has something good for every part of the body. One of the key components, Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is essential for cellular respiration and blood cell production.rnAs a spice, black pepper, is universal and goes well with any kind of cuisine. The orient knew it long ago while the west discovered it later. Perhaps, today, it is most widely used spice in the world, only the amount of usage differs. Pepper has the ability to add freshness and taste to any type of food. Here are few suggestions you may try out:
Breakfast:
Eggs - Poached /boiled /bull’s eye with a dash of pepper and salt make a tasty combination regular cereals and bread.
Lunch:
Pepper chicken is one hot and spicy dish from Malabar coast. Fish marinated with black pepper powder, chili powder, turmeric powder and salt and fried.
Snacks:
Chicken marinated(5-6hrs) in curd and pepper powder fried with coating of egg white and cornflakes. Vegetable or chicken cutlets spiced with pepper.
Dinner
Sautéed vegetables with pepper. Sausages and cabbage salad with olive oil and pepper. Steak with peppercorn sauce.
Salad:
A simple way to make a delicious salad dressing is a mix of Olive oil, lemon juice, salt and cracked black pepper. You can try it with any meat and vegetables.
Juice:
One of the best ways to beat the heat is a glassful of fresh cucumber juice with salt and pepper. Carrot juice with pepper is interesting too. Lemonades with a dash of pepper are fun and soothing.
Tea/Coffee:
Black coffee with a pinch of pepper powder clears the throat. It may be taken with black tea too.
Significance in medicine:
But Black Pepper is much more than a simple spice. Black Pepper also has many healing powers and is widely used in Ayurveda and other alternative streams of medicine. The oil extracted from pepper is considered to be a stimulant for the entire body as it helps boost circulation. In ancient Chinese Medicine, it has been used as a remedy for food poisoning and dysentery, helping to relieve diarrhea. It’s anti inflammatory powers are made use to remedy nasal congestion and sinusitis. It relieves aches and pains and can be used regularly for muscle relaxation. It has diaphoretic (promotes sweating), and diuretic (promotes urination) properties. Pepper is also good to reduce fat. When pepper removes, more urine, it flushes out more fat too, since 4% of urine is made of fat.rnAs a proven antioxidant, pepper has been found to be very effective in cardiovascular diseases and liver problems because it can prevent or repair the damage caused by the free radicals. Research at University of Michigan Cancer Center and other institutes has shown that the ingredient called Piperine can actually the risk of developing tumours and cancers. Pepper used daily slows the even premature aging symptoms like wrinkles, age spots, macular degeneration, and memory loss. Studies have shown that the ingredient Piperine in black pepper helps reduce memory impairment and cognitive malfunction. Pepper is also considered to be a good anti depressant. In Vitiligo(a condition in which the natural pigmentation of the skin disappears) patients, pepper help to increase the production of the pigmentation material in the body. Black pepper oil blends well with other oils and it thus extensively used in medicinal preparations for arthritis and rheumatism among others.rnIn short, Black pepper is really a wonder spice. It tastes good and is healthy too.