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Tips from the chef
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Peppercorn
Once paid as rent. Now on every table, and still the king of spices.
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“I speak severely to my boy, / I beat him when he sneezes; / For he can thoroughly enjoy / The pepper when he pleases!” — Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
A very brief history
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In the Middle Ages, a pound of peppercorns could buy a serf’s freedom.
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Frequently asked questions
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Peppercorn in the kitchen
Pepper is tremendously versatile, and different colors suit different jobs. These pairings are for a balanced blend of black, white, green, and pink peppercorns with allspice.
What does it taste like?
Flavor combinations
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Whole, ground, or cracked?
Three forms, three different results:
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Tools for pepper. A mortar and pestle cracks and grinds peppercorns alone or with other spices; it’s our number one spice tool. An electric spice grinder is handy for large amounts. A pepper mill grinds or cracks small amounts right at the table.
Tip from the chef
Grind pepper as close to serving as you can. Its aroma fades quickly once the berry is broken.
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What the French once paid their rent in, we now buy for pennies.
Recipes
Keep exploring
Every spice has its own page of history, techniques, and recipes.
Browse all spices