Passion Fruit Pepper - Ethiopia

What is passion fruit pepper?

Passion fruit pepper is the fruit of the tropical plant Ruta Chalepensis. This plant is found in Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, but also in Latin America, the Arabian Peninsula and Southwest Asia. It thrives in well-drained calcareous or sandy soils and can be recognized by its yellow flowers and dense foliage.

The consumption of this pepper is relatively recent. It has an exotic taste close to that of passion fruit. It is close to Sichuan pepper and its lemony aromas. On the nose, it develops hay scents.

Ruta Chalepensis is a spice commonly used in Ethiopia. It is consumed in all its parts: leaves, branches, roots, fruits and flowers. These are the fruits that I have chosen to introduce you to.

The different appellations of passion pepper

Ruta chalepensis is known under different names:

• Ruta macrophylla
• Ruta angustifolia
• Fringed street
• Rue de Chalep
• Street Seed
• Rue d'Alep
• Passion fruit pepper

Harvesting the pepper of passion

Ruta Chalepensis grows between 1,500 and 3,000 metres above sea level. This bush can reach a height of 1.5 meters. It flowers from May to July. Once the flowers have wilted, the peppercorns are harvested by hand and have a pronounced sweet and slightly pungent taste.

Differences between the leaves and the seeds passion fruit pepper

Both the leaves and the peppercorns are eaten, but in different ways: The leaves: they are used to flavour certain cheeses. They can also be dried and crushed and eaten for their worming properties. Peppercorns: they are used in cooking at the end of cooking

The origins of the passion pepper plant

The first traces of this plant date back to just before the year 0, and it is mentioned in the Bible as the bush in which Jesus Christ hid in order not to be arrested by Roman soldiers.

Passion pepper is native to Syria and more particularly Aleppo. In ancient times, Ruta chalepensis was used as an anti-venom against snake bites.

It is in the 20th century that the plant will be introduced in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as in Asia.

The passion pepper nowadays

Passion pepper is used as a condiment. It is also infused to make herbal teas. In Argentina, drinking passion pepper herbal tea on August 1st would be a good luck charm.

Other uses of passion peppercorns

Don't play with the pepper of passion! While it can be excellent for your health, it can also be dangerous in very high doses. This is why I ask you not to use it as a "homemade medicine" without talking to your doctor.

It has a reputation for getting rid of diarrhea, flu-like conditions, colds and other common ailments (head, stomach, etc.). Europeans use it partially in treatments for typhoid, scarlet fever, jaundice and toothache.

More importantly, at a certain dosage, the fruits of Ruta Chalepensis can have a catastrophic effect and cause hemorrhages, abortions, miscarriages, vomiting and other gastroenteritis.

However, the lethal dose is more than high as with tonka bean and nutmeg.

So just use it in your kitchen like any other pepper without experimenting medically!

How to use passion pepper in cooking?

With its exotic aromas of passion fruit and red berry flavours, passion pepper brings a sweet, slightly acidic and spicy touch to your dishes.

It is advisable to use it at the end of cooking and sparingly, as its flavour is intense.

Ruta chalepensis is also used in some spice blends such as mitmita or berbere blend. It is one of the main ingredients in Ethiopian stews or in Metin Shiro, a spicy Ethiopian flour made from split peas and beans.

Tip: Try making exotic-inspired jams with this pepper and some timut pepper from Nepal. A few berries are enough to flavor your dishes.

Our recipe ideas with Passion Pepper

Would you like to discover this exotic tasting pepper? Here is a complete menu where passion pepper develops the best of its aromas.

The starter: Carpaccio of scallops with passion pepper

A cold and light starter where the passion pepper brings a little relief to the scallop. Rinse your scallops and drain them. Slice them thinly with a sharp knife. Arrange your plate. Add a dash of lemon and a few peppercorns of passion fruit. Add salt. Serve chilled with a dry white wine.

The dish : Salmon steak with exotic fruits

A salty/sweet dish for a change from the daily routine. Cook your salmon steaks with a little oil. Remove them from the pan. Cut a few pieces of mango and grill them. Keep a few intact and stew the rest with a few peppercorns of passion fruit. Serve the fish with the compote and the grilled fruit. White rice is perfect as a side dish.

Dessert: Chocolate fondant and peppered custard

The perfect combination of chocolate fondant and custard is sublimated by the exotic flavours of passion pepper. You can either grind it into the cream or garnish the plate with a few peppercorns. A full-bodied red wine will sublimate this dessert.

How to store passion pepper?

Our passion peppercorns can be kept dry and away from light. Preferably choose an airtight container.