PEPPER: A SPICE THAT PAIRS PERFECTLY WITH SALT TO ELEVATE A DISH’S FLAVOUR, IN COLOURS FROM GREEN TO BLACK, RED AND WHITE, WITH JUST AS MANY DIFFERENT AROMAS. HERE ARE THE WORLD’S BEST PEPPERS.
Native to the west coast of India, pepper is a spice that made its way to the West as early as Antiquity, during the conquest of Alexander the Great. Now, it is a refined spice that is a kitchen staple all around the world. And its ubiquity has rendered it no less exceptional.
Kampot red peppercorns, a Cambodian wonder
Grown in Cambodia’s Kampot and Kep provinces, the Kampot peppercorn is often considered one of the best peppers in the world. Its fruity, well-rounded and powerful aromas make it one of the most popular peppers in great cuisine. It belongs to the family of real peppers, derived from the tropical vine Piper nigrum L. This exceptional spice almost disappeared during the civil war when pepper crops were requisitioned to plant rice to feed the population. The pepper farms were almost completely destroyed. The Kampot red peppercorn’s caramel notes pair perfectly with white meats, but it is also a spice used to give a hint of pep to desserts. The pepper’s red colour comes from its stage of ripeness. When it is red, it means that the picked berries are nearly mature.
Malabar MG1 peppers, the Indian black pearl
This is the ancestor of all peppers, where the very first pepper plant in the world grew in Kerala. In this region, and more precisely on the on the Malabar Coast in southwestern India, pepper plants grow in the wild.Malabar MG1 is a blend of several botanical varieties of pepper plants. All are classified by size and location known as MG1, the grade of reference. This pepper fragrant, spicy and very hot, and elevates the flavours of fish and vegetables with finesse and character.
Muntok peppers, the famous white pepper from Sumatra
Pepper’s success went beyond Kerala. Plants were transported to tropical areas, which is how the Indonesian pepper adventure began on Bangka Island, southeast of Sumatra. White pepper is obtained after washing and soaking the berries in water, then drying the nearly ripened berries. Muntokpepper has a refined flavour with hints of menthol and camphor, giving a freshness to the dishes it embellishes. It is a medium spicy pepper that gives off aromas of leather. This pepper can also be ground into a chocolate dessert.
Voatsiperifery wild pepper from Madagascar, a pepper from the treetops
This is rare pepper with a very subtle flavour and scent. It is also a pepper that is on the verge of extinction. The voatsiperifery pepper grows in the south of Madagascar, on vines that grow on trees to support themselves—trees growing up to 20 m high. These peppers are harvested by hand and require true know-how. Unfortunately, some farmers choose to cut down the trees to harvest the pepper, killing the vines on which the berries grow. This pepper has both a woody and lemony taste. Its rich and intense aroma makes it an exceptional pepper.
Black pepper from the Spice Islands of Tanzania
This woody, hot pepper has notes of almond, orange peel and eucalyptus. It offers the tastebuds a true invitation to travel. This pepper is harvested at a farmers’ cooperative on the northwest coast of Zanzibar Island and is grown ecologically and organically. Like all black peppers, Spice Island black pepper is picked at maturity, then dried slowly in the sun, where it gets its black colour and concentrated aromas.
FAQs
In talking with many pepper enthusiasts, we've found the Habanero to be universally considered to be one of the best tasting peppers. It's flesh holds up to and absorbs smoking well. The smoked hab is a key (secret) ingredient in our Chili cook-off entries.
What is the best pepper spice in the world? ›
Peppercorn vines flourish in this environment, yielding a spice of superior flavor and aroma. Kampot peppercorns are considered the finest pepper in the world. They're named after their region of production, just like Vidalia onions, Bourbon whiskey, and Roquefort cheese.
What is the most popular pepper in the world? ›
What Are the Most Popular Peppers?
- points. Bell Pepper. A sweet pepper with no heat, available in various colors. ...
- points. Thai Pepper. ...
- points. Scotch Bonnet. ...
- points. Poblano. ...
- points. Ghost Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) ...
- points. Habanero. ...
- points. Serrano. ...
- points. Cayenne.
Sourced especially for chefs, McCormick Culinary Whole Black Pepper comes from mature pepper berries, perfectly sun-dried for seven to ten days, in a whole, uniform peppercorn format to add flavor in pickling mixes, marinades and sauces. McCormick Culinary Whole Black Pepper is kosher with no MSG added.
What peppers are used to add spice to food? ›
Chili peppers are widely used in many cuisines as a spice to add "heat" to dishes. Capsaicin and related compounds known as capsaicinoids are the substances that give chili peppers their intensity when ingested or applied topically.
What are the best peppers for cooking? ›
Poblano peppers are the ultimate pepper for grilling and stuffing because of their thick walls and mild, earthy flavor. They're generally sold fresh, young and dark green, but once ripened and dried, they're called ancho peppers and hold much more heat.
What are the best peppers for hot sauce? ›
These are the 5 most popular peppers in hot sauces
- Habanero. It comes as no surprise to us that the Habanero is number 1. ...
- Carolina Reaper. No fewer than 7 of the 25 most popular hot sauces used the former officially hottest pepper in the world: the Carolina Reaper. ...
- Jalapeño. ...
- Chipotle. ...
- Ghost Pepper.
Red peppers pack the most nutrition, because they've been on the vine longest. Bell peppers come in a range of colors, including red (the sweetest), orange, yellow, and green. Green peppers are harvested earlier before they have a chance to turn yellow, orange, and then red.
What country makes the best pepper? ›
Kampot red peppercorns, a Cambodian wonder
Grown in Cambodia's Kampot and Kep provinces, the Kampot peppercorn is often considered one of the best peppers in the world. Its fruity, well-rounded and powerful aromas make it one of the most popular peppers in great cuisine.
What is the rarest pepper in the world? ›
Its mode of production and collect make the Bird Pepper the rarest pepper in the world. The birds approach the pepper plantations during the harvest period, as the pepper grains mature and turn from green to red.
Red bell peppers are the sweetest of the bell pepper varieties while green peppers will taste more bitter because they are in their less mature and unripe forms. For this reason, slicing and snacking on raw bell peppers may be more palatable if you choose a red bell pepper, or even a yellow or orange color variety.
What is the most expensive pepper variety? ›
Aji Charapita is reputed to be the most expensive pepper in the world.
What is the best color pepper to eat? ›
Red bell peppers, which are the most nutrient-dense, also contain lycopene. As bell peppers ripen, they get sweeter. Green bell peppers are slightly bitter and the least sweet, while red bell peppers are the sweetest.
What is the most flavorful black pepper? ›
- Best Overall: Spicewalla Whole Black Peppercorn.
- Best Black Peppercorn for Heat: Burlap & Barrel Robusta Black Peppercorns.
- Best Mild Black Peppercorn: Diaspora Co. ...
- Best Green Peppercorn: Voyager Collection by Eric Ripert & La Boîte Green Peppercorns.
Red peppers pack the most nutrition, because they've been on the vine longest. Bell peppers come in a range of colors, including red (the sweetest), orange, yellow, and green. Green peppers are harvested earlier before they have a chance to turn yellow, orange, and then red.
What is the healthiest pepper seasoning? ›
CAYENNE PEPPER: Besides giving your food a little kick, fresh, dried or powdered hot peppers can help boost metabolism and keep blood vessels healthy, largely due to the presence of capsaicin.
What is 7 pepper seasoning? ›
A bold, spicy blend of black pepper, garlic, onion, and coarsely ground peppers that adds a kick of flavor to meats, seafood, pasta salads, and stir-fries.
