Black peppercorns are a staple ingredient in kitchens around the world, delivering a punch of pungent, fiery heat to a myriad of dishes. These dried berries from the Piper nigrum vine are left to fully ripen before they're harvested, resulting in a robust flavor that can enhance meat, soups, and even pastries.
The virtue of black peppercorns lies in their versatility. Mill them into freshly ground pepper for a rich, full-bodied zest. If added whole, they provide a delightful crunch and unexpected burst of flavor. The king of spices indeed, black peppercorns are an essential in every spice rack.