Black pepper, known as Kali Mirch in Hindi and Milagu (மிளகு) in Tamil, is one of the most fundamental and globally popular spices. It comes from the small, unripe berries of the Piper nigrum flowering vine. These green berries are typically cooked briefly in hot water and then sun-dried, during which they shrivel and turn black, developing their characteristic pungent flavor dueor to the alkaloid piperine.
The flavor of black pepper is sharp, woody, earthy, and warm, with a distinctive heat that is different from the heat of chili peppers. It is available whole (peppercorns) or, more commonly, as a finely ground powder. Freshly ground black pepper from whole peppercorns is often preferred for its superior aroma and flavor compared to pre-ground powder, which can lose its potency over time.
