Passion Fruit Pepper

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 appreciates well-drained calcareous or sandy soils and is recognizable by its yellow flowers and bushy foliage.

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

Ruta Chalepensis is a spice commonly used in Ethiopia. All parts are consumed: leaves, branches, roots, fruits and flowers. It is the fruits that I chose to make you discover.

The different names of the passion pepper

The Ruta chalepensis is known under different names:

• Ruta macrophylla
• Ruta angustifolia
• Fringed street
• Chalep street
• Street seed
• Street of Aleppo
• Passion fruit pepper

The harvest of passion fruit pepper

The Ruta Chalepensis grows between 1,500 and 3,000 meters above sea level. This bush can reach 1.5 m in height. Its flowering takes place from May to July. Once the flowers are faded, the peppercorns are harvested by hand, their sweet taste is pronounced and a little bit pungent.

Differences between the leaves and seeds passion pepper

Both the leaves and the peppercorns are consumed, but in different ways: Leaves: they are used to flavour certain cheeses. They can also be dried and crushed and consumed for its vermifuge virtues. Peppercorns: they are used in cooking at the end of the cooking process

The origins of the passion pepper plant

The first traces of this plant go back a little before the year 0. It is mentioned in the bible as being the bush in which Jesus Christ hid to avoid being arrested by the Roman soldiers.

The passion pepper originates from Syria and more particularly from Aleppo. During the Antiquity, the Ruta chalepensis entered the composition of an anti-venom against the bites of snake.

It is in the XXth 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 brewed to obtain herbal teas. In Argentina, drinking passion pepper tea on August 1st is said to bring good luck.

Other uses of passion pepper

Don't mess with passion pepper! While it can be great for your health, it can also be dangerous in very high doses. That's why I ask you not to use it as a "home remedy" without talking to your doctor.

It has a reputation for getting rid of diarrhea, flu, 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 hemorrhaging, abortions, miscarriages, vomiting and other gastroenteritis.

However, the lethal dose is more than high as with the 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 fruit, passion pepper brings a sweet, slightly acidic and spicy touch to your dishes.

It is advised to use it at the end of cooking and sparingly, because its flavor is intense.

Ruta chalepensis is also used in the composition of some spice mixes such as mitmita or berber mix. It is one of the main ingredients in Ethiopian stews or in Metin Shiro, a spicy Ethiopian flour made with split peas and beans.

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

Our recipe ideas with passion pepper

Would you like to discover this pepper with its exotic taste? 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 scallops. Rinse your scallops and drain them. Slice them thinly with a sharp knife. Arrange them on your plate. Add a drizzle 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 everyday. Cook your salmon steaks in 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, adding a few peppercorns of passion fruit. Serve the fish with the compote and grilled fruit. White rice is a perfect accompaniment.

Dessert: Chocolate Moelleux with peppery custard

The perfect combination of chocolate cake and custard is enhanced by the exotic flavors 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 enhance this dessert.

How to store passion pepper?

Our passion peppercorns should be kept dry and protected from light. It is best to choose an airtight container.