What Is The Difference Between Pepper And Peppercorn? (Find Out)

Did you know the common pepper found on restaurant tables and at home is a dried fruit?

This dried fruit, known as peppercorn, is the basis for the spice “pepper.” Even though they share similar names, they vary considerably in their taste.

Pepper has an aromatic blend of several different spices, while peppercorns are just the dried fruit of the plant Piper Nigrum.

Peppercorns come in various colors, such as black, white, pink, and green. Black pepper is typically the mildest flavor, while white pepper is slightly more pungent.

This article discusses both in detail, so stick around if you want to know more interesting facts about both. So, let’s dive into it…

Page Contents

What is Pepper?

Pepper is a common spice that we use in cooking. It comes from the berries of Piper nigrum, which is an evergreen vine.

When these berries dry up and are ground into powder, they become black pepper. Considering everyone’s taste preferences, the peppers come in varying levels of heat intensity.

Black pepper is typically found on restaurant tables and in households because of its mild spiciness.

What is pepper? — *An image of white and black peppercorns with crushed pepper*

Other varieties include:

White pepper
Red peppers
Turkish peppers

Interestingly, you can use Mexican and Southeast Asian chiles as pepper substitutes due to their spice levels.

Pepper adds flavor and heat to dishes, making it an essential ingredient in Caribbean green seasoning and other recipes.

What is Peppercorn?

Peppercorns are the seeds of the Piper Nigrum plant, which when dried and crushed, produce a distinctive spice known for its pungent flavor.

As told earlier, peppercorns can also be found in other shades depending on the variety. However, the most common are the black ones. They are used as a seasoning and have a double meaning.

As a nominal consideration in the form of Peppercorn Rent, which is the minimum amount that needs to be paid to create a legal contract.

Difference Between Pepper and Peppercorn

	Pepper	Peppercorn
Appearance	Finely ground spice powder ranges in color from white to black, depending on the variety	Small dried fruit ranging in color from green to red and black
Origin	Mexican and SE Asian chiles, white pepper, red pepper, Turkish pepper, black pepper	Seeds of the plant Piper Nigrum
Uses	Sprinkled on food for flavor; can be hydrated and added to soups or stews	Spice is used in cooking; also used as a nominal consideration to satisfy the requirements for the creation of a legal contract
Heat Level	Milder than most chiles and sauces, such as Tabasco or Pickapeppa	Milder than pepper

Pepper vs. Peppercorn

Can I Use Peppercorn Instead of Black Pepper?

Peppercorns can provide a milder flavor than pre-ground black pepper so they can be used in certain dishes instead of black pepper.

It’s essential to note that you can’t let peppercorns roam in your dishes, and they should be removed to avoid hard bites.

The most efficient solution for home cooks is to keep whole peppercorns in a pepper mill and add them to taste, as it becomes easily consumable when ground up.

You’re probably wondering about the uses of peppercorns. Let me tell you that you can use them in pickling mixtures. On the other hand, fresh ground black pepper is typically used for cooking.

In cases where recipes call for whole black peppercorns, it is usually because they will be removed later. Another way to make it consumable is by cooking it for a more extended period so it softens.

Can You Freeze Black Peppercorns?

Black peppercorns are a versatile and popular spice with an aromatic quality that adds flavor to any dish. Luckily, it is unnecessary to freeze them for storage as long as they are kept dry and sealed from pests, they will last for years.

The best way to preserve this spice is by storing it in a jar and keeping it in a dry place. The peppercorns can become wet and rotten if the jar isn’t airtight. It’s important to note that turning wet peppercorns into a powder form is challenging.

What are the Benefits of Peppercorns?

Eating peppercorns is beneficial to your health in many ways. Compounds found in peppercorns, regardless of color, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They can help improve digestion and reduce the risk of certain diseases.

White peppercorns are mature berries with the outer layer removed. On the other hand, green peppercorns are picked when unripe and either brined or dried. Red or black peppercorns are fully mature berries that have been dried and fermented; they have distinctive flavors and colors.

Each type of peppercorn has its unique taste, aroma, and usage, making them ideal for various culinary purposes.

What Are The Two Most Expensive Spices?

Saffron and cardamom are two of the most expensive spices in the world today.

Saffron, called ‘red gold,’ is harvested from Crocus sativus flowers and can cost up to $65 per gram. Cardamom, on the other hand, is relatively cheaper but still commands a price tag of tens of dollars per pound.

While Saffron is a labor-intensive crop, Cardamom requires manual harvesting; both spices are known for their distinct flavor and aroma.

Additionally, due to confusing market conditions, vanilla prices have surged recently and are now considered an expensive flavoring. All in all, these three spices remain the most expensive and sought-after spices in the world today.

Why is real saffron so expensive? Watch the video the find out.

Real saffron is so expensive.

Conclusion

Pepper is an aromatic blend of several different spices, while peppercorns are just the dried fruit of the plant Piper Nigrum.
Peppercorn comes in a variety of colors, such as black, white, pink, and green.
Pepper adds flavor and heat to dishes, making it an essential ingredient in many recipes.
Peppercorns are used not only as a seasoning but also have a double meaning – as a nominal consideration in the form of Peppercorn Rent, which is the minimum amount that needs to be paid to create a legal contract.

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