Black pepper is king of spices and is known as Kali mirch in Hindi. It comes from a plant called Piper nigrum which is a vine plant that can grow up to 13 feet in height with the support of other trees and is a common spice in every kitchen. It used as a seasoning agent as well as in numerous dishes around the world to impart its flavour.
They were important and costly item to trade in ancient times. One can find the trade links from European countries to Egypt. They are also referred as black gold and was used as commodity money.
One can commonly find black pepper in all restaurant placed with salt on the dining table. One can easily make a powder from the whole spice which can be used in garnishing and in the dishes. While preparing the powder sometimes its aerosol particles can cause some irritation and tingling in the nose if inhaled leading to sneezing.
Kali mirch needs to be stored in a clean and air tight container to preserve its flavour and aroma. Also, prolonged exposure to light can diminish its taste, keep it in a shady place to preserve its flavour and aroma. Indian is 4th largest producer of black pepper and southern states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are on the top. The best produce comes from Malabar now called as Kerala. Kali mirch are known by numerous names in varying regions like in West Bengal it is called Gol mirch and Kalo mirch. Other countries that cultivate this spice are Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia and Sri Lanka etc.
Benefits of Kali Mirch
Antioxidant properties
The compound in kali mirch known piperine which has antioxidant properties fights against free radical cells protecting the healthy cells.
Antimicrobial properties
Kali mirch is known to cure common colds like cough. They are in use since a long time in Ayurveda which uses black pepper for treating cold.
Keeps the sugar levels in control
The sugar levels in our body must be within its limit because high sugar levels lead to diabetes which is a cause of concern in today’s time. The antioxidant properties not only fights with the free radical cells but also keeps the sugar levels in control which further boosts the digestive system. It may also help in fighting against plumpness.
Kali mirch helps in lowering the cholesterol levels
The piperine compound found in the black pepper helps in lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase HDL which may reduce the cardiovascular diseases. Low LDL will keep the heart healthy.
Improved digestion
Black pepper makes the digestion process smoother. Piperine increases the secretion of acid found in our stomach which helps to digest the proteins. It also flushes out the toxins from our body.
Weight management
The phytonutrients found in black pepper helps in reducing weight by breaking the fat cells. Black pepper also boots the metabolism which in turn burns the fat faster helping to shed few kilos.
Where to Buy Black Pepper?
It is available in whole form and powdered form in kirana, grocery shops and supermarkets. One can also purchase them online from an ecommerce platform. As the name explains it called black spice or black pepper because of its colour and spiciness it gives to the dish.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q) What are the benefits of black pepper?
Ans) Balck pepper helps to control the cholesterol, it has antimicrobial properties which fights against common cold and coughs. Pepper also has antioxidants that fights against free radical cells. Pepper also keeps the sugar levels under control and improving the digestion with the help of compound called piperine. The phytonutrient found in pepper breaks the fat cells leading to weight loss.
Q) How to make a black pepper powder at home?
Ans) Take the required quantity of whole black pepper and add it to the pan. Roast it for 5 minutes. Let it cool and add it to the grinder to prepare a fine powder. Open after some time, this will let the aerosol particles settle down. Store it in a clean, dry and an air tight container.
Q) Why is black pepper known as King of spices?
Ans) It called so because of its strong aroma and its use in varying cuisines across the globe.
Q) Why is black pepper called as Black gold?
Ans) In medieval times merchants used to trade gold in exchange of this spice as it was an expensive item to trade and was used to prepare exotic dishes.
Q) How and where to store pepper?
Ans) Store pepper in a clean, dry and an air tight container in a shady place as continuous exposure to light may lead to loss of aroma and flavour.
Conclusion
Black pepper is king of spices and is known as Kali mirch in Hindi. It comes from a plant called Piper nigrum which is a vine plant that can grow up to 13 feet in height with the support of other trees and is a common spice in every kitchen.
It used as a seasoning agent as well as in numerous dishes around the world to impart its flavour.
They were important and costly item to trade in ancient times.
It is available in whole form and powdered form in kirana, grocery shops and supermarkets.
Black pepper needs to be stored in a clean and air tight container to preserve its flavour and aroma. Also, prolonged exposure to light can diminish its taste, keep it in a shady place to preserve its flavour and aroma.
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