Why Is Black Pepper One of the Most Used Spices in Front Porch Pantry’s Kitchen?

Black pepper is a flowering vine in the Piperaceae family that is grown for its fruit, peppercorn, which is used as a spice and condiment. Black pepper is one of the most popular spices used in cuisines worldwide and one of the most traded spices in the world. Its spicy flavor comes from the chemical molecule piperine, and its unique “sharpness” goes well with many dishes.

Black pepper is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia and has been known to Indian cooking since at least 2000 BCE. In addition to adding flavor to dishes, black pepper is commonly known for its medicinal and nutritional properties.

Black pepper contains antioxidants, which, if consumed frequently, can help prevent or reduce free radicals’ damage. The main antioxidant found in black pepper is piperine, and it prevents the detrimental effects of continued exposure to sun rays, cigarette smoke, and pollution-related agents.

This widely used spice also has anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation related to poor eating habits is the main cause of most common diseases, like diabetes and cancer. Inflammation has also been found to be related to anxiety and depression. Consuming black pepper on a regular basis can help you decrease those effects by promoting the growth and survival of good gut bacteria.

Finally, research has shown that black pepper has cholesterol-lowering effects, reducing the chance of heart-related problems. Overall, consuming black pepper in moderate amounts provides a lot of different health benefits. We love using this unique spice, as a seasoning, for many of our popular recipes.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/black-pepper-benefits

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_pepper