White Pepper
History
White Pepper is the dried berry of the pepper vine, Piper Nigrum. The spice was first discovered more than 4,000 years ago and has been cultivated since 1,000 BC. It almost instantly became an item of luxury and had such immense value that it was often used as a form of payment in ancient times. These peppers originated in the Wayanad plateau of Kerala in Southern India. Today Vietnam is the world’s top producer of pepper, followed by Indonesia and then India.
Cultivation
The pepper vine is a climbing plant and its berries grow in clusters of bright green, then turn to yellow-orange, followed by bright red berries or fruits. White Pepper requires moist tropical climate and rich soil. It is actually made from the seed of the plant, once the fruit flesh is already stripped down. Unlike black peppers, the fruit of the white peppers are made to ripen fully before the peppers are picked. When they are ready, the fruits (berries) are then soaked in water for several days (about eight days at least). Once the flesh has decomposed and softened, it is rubbed or scraped until the seeds come off. The seeds are then dried up until it becomes greyish or white. After which, it is sold in the market as either whole or ground white pepper.
Usage / Storage
In addition to using it as a spice, white pepper is also used as a general digestive aid. It has been used in the treatment of gonorrhoea, vertigo, and arthritis. In addition, white pepper has diaphoretic (promotes sweating) and diuretic (promotes urination) properties. Traditional medicinal systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, widely use white pepper and its powder as an essential oil in aromatherapy.
Beneficial Effects
Fennel has long been used as a remedy for flatulence and indigestion in traditional medicines. In fact, you may have finished many a heavy meal at a South Asian restaurant with a teaspoon of fennel seeds mixed with sugar. Fennel water is often used in newborn babies to relieve colic pain and help aid digestion. Fennel seed oil is used to massage painful joints as well as relieve coughs and bronchitis. Apart from this, fennel has many health benefiting nutrients, essential compounds, anti-oxidants, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
