Black Peppercorns

Peppercorns are the berries of a vine found climbing trees in tropical rainforests. Before the sixteenth century, when chillies were first brought to Europe from America, pepper was the main spice used for adding pungent heat and bite to dishes.

At high temperatures its flavour quickly dissipates, so it is usually added at the end of cooking, or sprinkled over food at the table.