Black pepper is one of the most
commonly used spices worldwide. Known as the king of spices, it forms a significant part of a large number of
cuisines all over the world, used in cooking as well as garnishing.
The word pepper originated from the
Sanskrit word pippali, meaning berry.
Black pepper powder that comes with
a mildly spicy flavour is made by grinding peppercorns, obtained from the plant
Piper nigrum. The hot taste sensation in pepper comes from a resin
called chavicine in the peppercorns.
In addition to adding flavour to
foods, black pepper has wide-ranging beneficial properties for health. It
fights cancer, is an antioxidant, relieves cough and cold, treats skin
problems, enhances weight loss efforts, etc.
Black pepper has about 304 calories
per 100 gm of weight. We can call it a ‘superfood’ as it is a rich source of a
large number of nutrients.
Benefits:
High in Antioxidants