Voatsiperifery Wild Red Pepper

What is Voatsiperifery red pepper?

Voatsiperifery pepper is a very rare wild pepper.

Native to the primary and virgin forests of Madagascar, it is a real pepper. The liana on which it grows can reach 20 to 30 meters high.

Voatsiperifery red pepper is very aromatic. Very fragile, because it is waterlogged, it requires a lot of precautions during its harvest.

Did you know that? The colour of the pepper indicates its level of maturity. The red colour is a sign of great maturity. With this Voatsiperifery pepper, I present you with a pepper equivalent to late harvest in the wine industry

David Vanille's choice: I have chosen to present this Voatsiperifery red pepper for its unique flavour. A rare pepper from Madagascar, harvested by hand, which seduces by its great maturity.

The harvest of the wild Voatsiperifery pepper

The harvest of Voatsiperifery red pepper is delicate. First of all, you have to get to the heart of the rainforest by following paths that are difficult to walk on.

Once there, the pickers have to climb the vines until they reach the berries. One of the difficulties in harvesting this rare pepper is the fact that on the same liana, the bunches of berries may have reached different levels of maturity. It is therefore necessary to sort the ripe berries from those still too young to be picked.

On average, 10 kilos of fresh berries have to be picked to obtain one kilo of Voatsiperifery pepper.

The differences between the colours of the pepper

This Madagascar pepper can be picked white, black or red.

The red voatsiperifery pepper is of high quality. Less pungent than black pepper, it has developed more intense aromas.

The black voatsiperifery pepper, was picked green on the liana before being dried. It is during the drying process that it took on its dark colour.

The white Voastiperifery pepper is actually the inside of the red pepper. It is a seed with subtle flavours.

The origins of Voatsiperifery pepper

It is difficult to define the exact origins of this pepper as it is so rare. Unrecognized until recently by the Malagasy themselves, the wild Voatsiperifery pepper has only recently known its hour of glory. Today, the greatest chefs are honouring it. The production being relatively low, this pepper is not likely to become a common variety... and so much the better.

Voastsiperifery red pepper nowadays

Still unknown a few years ago, Voatsiperifery wild pepper is now very popular. However, production is not sufficient to meet the demand

Risky harvesting methods

Some farmers have tried to increase their harvests by changing the way they pick berries. To stop climbing vines, some do not hesitate to cut them down. Others do not sort the berries and therefore produce a less quality pepper

Actions for sustainable cultivation

The risk of these practices would be to harm the survival of this species. In order to preserve it, several local research groups are trying to find solutions to domesticate this wild pepper so that farmers can grow it without harming the wild species.

Other uses of Madagascar pepper

Voatsiperifery pepper has medicinal properties. Like most peppers, it has the following properties

• Digestive
• Antibacterials
• Anti-inflammatories

Pepper is also used against toothache, as it has an anesthetic effect.

How to use Voatsiperifery red pepper in cooking?

As this pepper is very aromatic, it can be used without restraint in all kitchens and all types of dishes that you would like to concoct

Crush it ideally at the end of cooking, on your favourite dishes. It goes wonderfully well with white fish and seafood. In a simmered dish, it works wonders! Fragrant and mild, it enhances white meats such as veal or pork

The Voatsiperifery pepper is known for its particular flavour which sublimates vegetables and gives them character. It is excellent with pan-fried mushrooms and even in a mushroom sauce

Our recipe ideas with wild Voatsiperifery red pepper

In the kitchen, the red Voatsiperifery can be used for both sweet and savoury recipes. It is excellent on fruits, especially exotic fruits: lychee, mango, pineapple..

If you like the combination of chocolate and pepper, you will appreciate the subtlety of its aromas. Mousse, cream or chocolate fondant will be sublimated simply with a little crushed Voatsiperifery red pepper

French chefs have adopted this pepper. It can be found in Alain Ducasse's Mushrooms stuffed with goat's cheese or in Sophie Dudemaine's 5 meat stew.

The starter : Creamy pumpkin soup with pepper

An autumnal soup sublimated by this pepper of character. Cut your pumpkin into cubes and fry them until they turn a beautiful golden colour. Add a few sliced onions and celery. Cover with water. At the end of cooking, mix. Serve in a soup plate with a little Voatsiperifery wild pepper. Roast some crushed hazelnuts. And sprinkle over your soup. Enjoy your meal!

The dish: Leg of lamb and green beans with Voatsiperifery

The roast leg of lamb is a classic of French cuisine. Accompanied by green beans, it is one of the Sunday dishes par excellence. Here, the leg of lamb and beans are peppered with wild Madagascar pepper. It gives them a unique flavour, without the pronounced spiciness of black pepper, which is generally used in this recipe.

The dessert: Roasted and spicy exotic fruits

In this dessert with exotic flavours, Voatsiperifery red pepper brings an aromatic note and a slight spiciness to the fruit. Cut your fruit into cubes and roast them on the grill. Create a homemade syrup by cooking a mango mixed with brown sugar. Once the syrup has thickened, coat your fruit. Add a few crushed Voatsiperifery red peppercorns and serve.

How to store Voatsiperifery red pepper berries?

Voatsiperifery pepper is a rare pepper that should be stored in an airtight container. Store in a dark and dry environment