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Pepper Powder – Overview
1. Common Name: Pepper Powder
Other Names: Black Pepper Powder, Kali Mirch Powder (Hindi)
Botanical Name: Piper nigrum
2. Description
Pepper powder is made by grinding dried black peppercorns. It has a sharp, hot, and slightly citrusy flavor that adds depth and heat to food. It’s one of the most widely used spices globally, often called the “King of Spices.”
3. Types
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Black Pepper Powder: Made from unripe dried pepper berries. Strong and pungent.
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White Pepper Powder: Made from ripe berries with the outer skin removed. Milder flavor.
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Green Pepper Powder: Made from unripe green pepper berries, giving a fresher and lighter taste.
4. Culinary Uses
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Used in almost all savory dishes — curries, soups, stir-fries, marinades, and salads.
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Commonly added to spice blends like garam masala and rasam powder.
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Enhances both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
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Added at the end of cooking to preserve aroma and flavor.
5. Health Benefits
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Digestive aid: Stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes.
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Improves absorption: Increases the bioavailability of nutrients (notably curcumin from turmeric).
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Antioxidant properties: Helps combat free radicals.
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Respiratory relief: Used in traditional remedies for cold and cough.
