What is black pepper from East Timor?

East Timor black pepper is an exceptional pepper. It is distinguished by its first herbaceous and powerful olfactory notes ! On tasting, these small peppercorns explode in the mouth. One discovers a very pronounced spiciness followed by warm and sweet notes. The finish offers notes of cocoa, fruity in the mouth.

David Vanille's choice: I have chosen to introduce you to this pepper so dear to my heart. Fruit of my travels in the footsteps of Pierre Poivre, the black pepper of East Timor is my Holy Grail. A world exclusive that I am proud to offer you as a spice researcher.

The East Timor pepper harvest

The harvest of this exceptional pepper takes place from April to June. It is entirely handmade. Once harvested, the berries are exposed to the sun for a few days. Once dry, they develop all their aromas and more particularly, notes of hemp, typical of East Timorese black pepper.

The differences between the different colours of pepper

Red, black, green, white... there are several "colours" of pepper. These indicate the level of maturity of the berries at the time of picking, but also the level of drying of the berries.

Green pepper is a pepper that is harvested early. It has a rather mild taste.

Black pepper is a pepper which benefits from a sun drying long enough to take its black colour.

Red pepper is a mature pepper. The berries are harvested when they are red. Then it is dried in the shade to preserve its aromas.

White pepper is a red pepper that has been left to soak in water until it loses its pericarp. It is then rubbed and dried.

The origins of East Timor pepper

East Timor is located in Southeast Asia. It is in this former Portuguese colony that Pierre Poivre discovered what he considers to be one of the best peppers. We are in the second half of the 18th century and the famous botanist is trying to put an end to the Dutch monopoly. At that time, the Timorese were just beginning to develop the cultivation of this liana on the island.

Black pepper nowadays

While the world production of pepper reaches more than 355,000 tons, Timor favours a more reasoned production. Vietnam is the world's leading producer, followed by India.

Other uses for black pepper

East Timor black pepper has the medicinal properties of other varieties of Piper Nigrum pepper.

It calms refluxes, relieves stomach pains, helps to fight against water retention, opens up the appetite, relieves dysentery..

Rich in piperine, this pepper is renowned for its tonic benefits. It is also used as part of diets.

However, it is advisable to limit its consumption of hot pepper, because it could cause ulcers.

How do you use East Timor pepper in cooking?

If this berry can be an ideal partner for your everyday culinary preparations, it will be a great ally when you plan to delight your guests' taste buds!

This pepper can be used in both sweet and savoury recipes.

It is the ideal condiment to sublimate all your meats (white or red), your game or your fish and shellfish. Just crush a few berries on your side of grilled beef or on your rack of lamb to discover their flavour and the power of their aromas.

East Timor black pepper also goes very well with duck. In fact, chef Alain Ducasse uses it for his Roast Duck Breast with Pepper.

Eggs, vegetables, papillotes, gratins... so many products and dishes that you will be able to sublimate with this rare and high quality pepper. Use East Timor Black Pepper to perfect your sauces! From mayonnaise to white sauce, through a vinaigrette or a Grand-Veneur sauce: this pepper will meet the challenge you give it by entrusting it with the mission of sublimating your sauce.

At cheese time, this berry will, once again, surprise you! Whether it is made from cow, goat or sheep milk, a fresh cheese seasoned with East Timor Black Pepper will add freshness and sweetness to this essential part of any meal!

Our recipe ideas with

The starter: Hard-boiled egg with peppered mayonnaise

The hard-boiled egg has its place in our cold buffets. I suggest you to sublimate it by associating it with a homemade mayonnaise that you will have peppered. To do this, add a little Timor pepper to your mayonnaise. Just crush a few berries.

The dish: Roasted duck breast with pepper

Rediscover the taste of duck with this simple recipe that highlights the product. Cut through the fat of the duck and cook your duck breast over high heat. Start by browning the flesh side, then finish cooking with the fat must be on the hot side. Add salt. Add pepper at the last moment. Serve with small potatoes and green beans.

The dessert: Plum Tart

A traditional dessert that black pepper adds to the pleasure of our taste buds. Make a shortcrust pastry. Make a very sweet and peppery plum compote. Garnish your tart base with the compote then cover ¼ with plums. Bake and serve hot!

How to store black pepper?

East Timor black pepper berries can be stored in a pepper mill or in an airtight container. Ideally, you should store all your pepper varieties in a dry place away from light.