Bahia Black Pepper

What is black pepper from Brazil?

The Brazilian black pepper that I present to you comes from the original region of pepper production: Espirito Santo. The variety that I offer you is a pepper that not only respects my imperatives in terms of quality and flavours, but is also the perfect reflection of what this Brazilian black pepper is, and this, in the respect of traditions and origins. This variety of ground black pepper from Brazil comes from the Piper Nigrum plant.

The harvest of Brazilian black pepper

Brazilian black pepper grows on an evergreen vine. Some can reach 4 m high. This pepper plant is part of the piperaceae. Its creepers produce bunches on which the pepper berries are found.

Differences between peppers: white, green, black, etc

The difference in colour between the peppers results from their level of maturity at harvest.

• Black pepper is actually a pepper harvested when the berry is still red. It is by drying that it takes the black colour. It offers powerful aromas.
• Green pepper is a pepper picked young, when it is not mature. More fruity and less spicy than black pepper, it can be preserved in brine.
• White pepper is a red pepper that has been soaked in salt water. It is rubbed to remove its skin and that is how it takes on its white colour. It is not very strong.

Did you know that? The world production of black pepper is around 400,000 tons. Brazil is the 4th largest pepper producing country with about 40,000 tons of pepper produced per year. Today, Brazil exports up to 85% of its black pepper production.

The origins of Brazilian black pepper

It was in the 17th century, on the docks of the ports of Salvador de Bahia and Porto Seguro that the first Piper nigrum plants arrived in Brazil. They were introduced into the country by the Portuguese.

The mountainous and tropical climate of the Bahia region was perfect for developing pepper plantations. They first developed in the Bahia region and then in Espirito Santo.

Other uses of pepper

Black pepper has medicinal properties.

It relieves:

• Toothache
• Colds by decongesting the nose
• Digestion problems
• Gastric reflux problems
• Inflammations

Did you know that? Black pepper is a slimming ally. Its action on fats is verified.

How do I use my Brazilian black pepper powder in cooking?

On this selection of black pepper, the visual was not what was most important to me. Unlike a Kampot, which must be immaculate, I really wanted something more "original", simple and very typical. Here, you erase again everything you thought you knew, close your eyes and let yourself be guided by your heart and your palate.

This is how I chose this batch of Espirito Santo Black Pepper.

This black pepper with its warm palate will quickly become the pepper of your everyday life. It will allow you to discover a "fresh" quality.

An indissociable companion of salt, you can use it in all types of savoury dishes: meats, fish, vegetables, sauces, cold meats..

It will work wonders added generously to breadcrumbs or mixed with hazelnuts, then used as breadcrumbs to bread crumbs to coat chicken, cheese or tofu.

It is the star ingredient in Italian pepper pasta, called cacio e pepe, and pepper steak, but it is also a perfect accompaniment to your duck breasts, shrimp or mushrooms.

It is very well suited to simmered dishes, as long as you don't add it too early to preserve the flavours of the other ingredients.

It is preferable toadd ground black pepper at the end of cooking, especially for dishes that must simmer for more than two hours

Tip! To obtain a really fragrant pepper to your taste, you can make a mixture of several origins for your pepper plant as with Nepalese Timut pepper with notes of Yuzu and Grapefruit.

Our recipe ideas with black pepper powder from Brazil

The starter: Homemade cheese croquette

A gourmet starter that will delight cheese lovers! Take a scoop of mozzarella or a soft cheese of the "Abbey" type. Roll it in an egg yolk, then in breadcrumbs that you will have salted and spiced with my powdered Brazilian black pepper. Cook in hot oil until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Serve with a salad with vinaigrette. Delicious! This cheese starter can also be made with a strong cheese: Munster or Herve.

The dish: Chinese ravioli soup

A Chinese recipe to which black pepper powder is the ingredient that gives it its character. Make a simple soup with spring onions, bok choy and Chinese cabbage. Spice with ground black pepper. Dip the ravioli stuffed with pork meat. Cook for 5 minutes over high heat. Serve.

Dessert: Spicy Strawberry Salad

A zero-calorie fruit dessert that appeals for the naturally sweet taste of strawberries and the slightly spicy hint of black pepper powder. Cut your strawberries. Make a strawberry coulis with half of them and pepper it with my Brazil black pepper powder. Serve the strawberries quartered in a bowl and add the coulis. Place in the fridge. Serve chilled.

How to store black pepper powder?

Brazilian black pepper is best stored in an airtight container. Store in a dry, dark place.