Black pepper: Difference between revisions
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'''Black pepper''' is a [[plant]] that grows in the [[tropics]], especially in [[India]]. The plant is a [[perennial]] [[vine]] that bears flowers. People cultivate the plant for its [[fruit]], the peppercorn. The peppercorn can be used as a [[spice]] or [[condiment]]. Usually, it makes things hot. |
'''Black pepper''' is a [[plant]] that grows in the [[tropics]], especially in [[India]]. The plant is a [[perennial]] [[vine]] that bears flowers Black pepper is one of the major spices of India black pepper also has many [https://realherbs.co.in/beneficial-benefits-of-black-pepper/ health benefits].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://realherbs.co.in/beneficial-benefits-of-black-pepper/|title=Beneficial benefits of black pepper, how to eat black pepper (काली मिर्च) - Real Herbs weight loss|date=2019-08-26|website=Real Herbs|language=Hindi|access-date=2020-01-07}}</ref> People cultivate the plant for its [[fruit]], the peppercorn. The peppercorn can be used as a [[spice]] or [[condiment]]. Usually, it makes things hot. |
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There are several different plants called ''Pepper'', all are in the ''Piper'' genus of ''Piperaceae''. |
There are several different plants called ''Pepper'', all are in the ''Piper'' genus of ''Piperaceae''. |
Revision as of 09:11, 7 January 2020
Black pepper | |
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Pepper plant with immature peppercorns | |
Scientific classification | |
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Species: | P. nigrum
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Binomial name | |
Piper nigrum |
Black pepper is a plant that grows in the tropics, especially in India. The plant is a perennial vine that bears flowers Black pepper is one of the major spices of India black pepper also has many health benefits.[2] People cultivate the plant for its fruit, the peppercorn. The peppercorn can be used as a spice or condiment. Usually, it makes things hot.
There are several different plants called Pepper, all are in the Piper genus of Piperaceae.
From the 16th century onwards, people used the word pepper to also refer to the Chile peppers, which come from a completely unrelated plant.It was also called black gold in older times
Peppercorn as a condiment
Pepper is one of the most common spices used around the world. It is very common in European cuisine, and has been known and traded for a very long time. Very often, the peppercorns are ground, and the powder is used to make things taste hot.
Peppercorn as a medicine
Like all eastern spices, pepper was historically both a seasoning and a medicine. Long pepper, being stronger, was often the preferred medication, but both were used.
Black peppercorns are mentioned in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicine in India. The 5th century Syriac Book of Medicines prescribes pepper (or perhaps long pepper) for illnesses such as constipation, diarrhea, earache, gangrene, heart disease, hernia, hoarseness, indigestion, insect bites, insomnia, joint pain, liver problems, lung disease, oral abscesses, sunburn, tooth decay, and toothaches.[3] Various sources from the 5th century onward also say pepper is good to treat eye problems. Often special ointments made with pepper have to be applied directly to the eye. There is no current medical evidence that any of these treatments has any benefit; pepper applied directly to the eye would be quite uncomfortable and possibly damaging.[4]
For a long time, people believed pepper is the cause for sneezing; this is still believed true today. Some sources say that piperine irritates the nostrils, which will cause the sneezing;[5] some say that it is just the effect of the fine dust in ground pepper, and some say that pepper is not in fact a very effective sneeze-producer at all. Few if any controlled studies have been carried out to answer the question.
Pepper can irritate the intestines. It is therefore eliminated from the diet of patients having abdominal surgery and ulcers. The replacement is usually called a bland diet.
Pepper contains small amounts of safrole, a carcinogenic compound.
References
- ↑ "Piper nigrum information from NPGS/GRIN". www.ars-grin.gov. Retrieved 2 March 2008.
- ↑ "Beneficial benefits of black pepper, how to eat black pepper (काली मिर्च) - Real Herbs weight loss". Real Herbs (in Hindi). 2019-08-26. Retrieved 2020-01-07.
- ↑ Turner p. 160.
- ↑ Turner p. 171.
- ↑ U.S. Library of Congress Science Reference Services "Everyday Mysteries", Why does pepper make you sneeze?. Retrieved November 12, 2005.
- Turner, Jack (2004). Spice: The History of a Temptation. Vintage Books. ISBN 0-375-70705-0.
Other websites
- Nutritional benefits of Black Pepper
- Gernot Katzer's Spice Pages
- Plant Cultures: History and botany of black pepper in South Asia