Pink Berry Pearls

What are pink berry beads?

Pink Berry Pearls are the fruit of the tree called Schinus Terebenthifolius, which is native to South America but was introduced by Creole settlers and now grows on the east coast of Madagascar. It is also found in Peru, Brazil, South Africa, Reunion Island and New Caledonia.

This tree can measure up to fifteen metres high, but in order to facilitate the harvesting of its fruits, it is forced to stop its growth at three metres. The Schinus Terebenthifolius has long been confused with the pepper tree, as it bears such similarities to the pepper tree (particularly in terms of its overall appearance and its fruit growing in clusters). However, it does not belong to the large family of Piper nigrum and, as such, cannot claim to be a "real pepper".

The fruits of this tree are therefore not peppercorns, but berries grouped in clusters of white flowers at the beginning of their growth, then presenting a pink colour that becomes more and more vivid as they mature and until they are harvested.

David Vanille's choice: I have chosen to present you pearls of pink berries from Madagascar for their fruity and sweet aroma. Ideal to perfume your salty or sweet dishes.

The harvest of pink berry pearls from Madagascar

The colour speaks, like a signal: it is time to harvest when the berry is adorned with its reddish colour, it is able to deliver the substantial marrow of its aromatic power. The Pink Berry Pearls are harvested by hand. They are then left to dry and finally sorted by hand to ensure consistent quality. Did you know that? The price of pink berries can be multiplied by 1 to 5 depending on the level of quality. The berries are sorted into 3 categories: Grade 1: 5% defect Grade 2: 15% defect Grade 3: 30% defect

The origins of pink berries

Pink berries were discovered in South America. The species Schinus Terebinthifolius is native to Brazil. It was then introduced in various countries of South America before being brought back to Madagascar in the 19th century.

Other uses of pink berry beads

Pink pepper contains phosphorus, calcium and pinene. It has many benefits:

• Acts on the respiratory tract
• Relieves colds and bronchitis
• Relieves cough
• Beneficial for people with hypertension
• Acts on nausea and bloating

If Pink Pepper (or Pink Berries) is an excellent phytotherapeutic support, it also helps to fight more locally known diseases such as Chikungunya.

In traditional Reunionese medicine, Pink Berries are recommended to allow the female menstrual cycle to run smoothly.

From the leaves of the Schinus Terebenthifolius, an excellent essential oil is extracted which is said to have anti-cancerous virtues. Moreover, the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry is creating an ever-increasing demand for them.

How to use bourbon pepper in cooking?

With a sugar content higher than that of other spices, and its saturation of aromas, this berry will surprise all palates with its aromatic power and voluptuousness. When tasting it, you can feel the sweet yet powerful aromas of pepper and star anise spreading, without any spiciness.

If we tend to recommend Pink Berries in the preparation of salads, sauces, white meats or fish, we sometimes forget the gustatory magic they bring to even "simpler" preparations such as in a tea (or an infusion), or in your butter that you use for breakfast!

By letting a few berries infuse in your favourite vinegar or oil, you will obtain original and tasty perfumed vinaigrettes.

Do you want to surprise your guests? Make your own Caribbean salt by using these Pink Berries, or even by mixing the Pink Berries with Black Pepper from Brazil, or by preparing your 5 berries mix (mix that you will also find ready to use on my site).

Tip: For a different taste experience, I advise you to roast your Bourbon Pepper berries.

Our recipe ideas with pink berries

You wish to discover the aromatic sweetness of our pink berry beads from Madagascar? Here are some recipes that will delight the palates of young and old alike.

The starter: Peaches with tuna with bourbon pepper

Acold starter that appeals to children and adults alike, tuna peach is a sweet and savoury and tasty sweet and savoury recipe. Make a tuna salad with natural white tuna, a little mayonnaise, a crumbled hard-boiled egg, chives and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish the tuna salad with the peach halves in syrup. Add a few pearls of pink berries. Serve chilled.

The dish: Cod fillet with fennel

Cod and fennel go perfectly with pink peppercorns! In this light recipe, place the cod in baking paper. Season with salt and pepper and cover with chopped fennel. Add a few roasted pink pepper berries. Moisten with a little white wine. Serve with wild rice.

The dessert: Peppered baked pears

A fruity dessert that will be spiced up with bourbon pepper. Here, bake your pears in the oven and sweeten them lightly. Add a few pink pepper berries. Serve with a scoop of Madagascar vanilla ice cream. Bonus: The fruity flavours of the Pink Berry Pearls call for combining them with chocolate! Let some berries infuse in a homemade hot chocolate, or incorporate them in a chocolate mousse or cream! The sensation of pepper, the typical sweetness of this berry, without being spicy, will delight the taste buds of young and old alike.

How to store pink pepper berries

Pink berries from Madagascar can be kept dry in an airtight container.