In a cuisine that emphasizes flavor harmony and balance like Vietnamese cuisine, pepper is a very important spice, present in almost all dishes. Not as spicy as chili peppers nor as pungent as mustard, pepper has a mild, aromatic spiciness that stimulates the diner’s taste buds.
1. How did pepper originate?
Going back in time to the Malabar coast of India – where the first peppercorns were discovered and gradually became widely used. In the Middle Ages, it was the rarest spice, known as “black gold,” valued as tribute or as a form of currency for exchanging goods or compensation for conflicts. Pepper arrived in Vietnam in the 17th century, planted by the French in the southern regions and gradually spreading throughout the country. Interestingly, Vietnam is now one of the world’s leading pepper exporters, surpassing even India – the spice’s birthplace.
2. Common types of pepper in our country.
In a cuisine that values a harmonious blend of flavors like Vietnamese cuisine, pepper is a fundamental spice, enhancing the taste of dishes. In Vietnamese culinary art, pepper is an indispensable ingredient in all dishes. So, how many types of pepper are there in our country? Let’s explore further.
+ Black pepper: To obtain these black peppercorns, the peppercorns must be harvested when the pepper plant shows some red or yellow seeds on the cluster, that is, when the seeds are still green. Young seeds without hard kernels are usually very brittle and easily crumble when dried, while other seeds, when dried, will have hard, dark-colored shells. Black pepper has a mild spiciness and a less pungent aroma than other types of pepper, so it is often used to add warmth to dishes.
+ White peppercorns: Also known as white pepper. To obtain white peppercorns, the fruit must be harvested when fully ripe, with a dark red peel, and then the peel is removed. However, due to increasing market demand, most are made from black peppercorns with the black peel removed. This type of pepper is off-white or grayish-white, less fragrant but has a strong, spicy flavor. Therefore, it is often used to enhance the flavor of luxurious, high-artistic menus.
+ Green peppercorns: These are fresh peppercorns harvested in clusters, often used in stews. They are picked in clusters before they are fully ripe. Therefore, they have a moderate level of spiciness and aroma, allowing diners to enjoy them without fear of excessive spiciness. They are suitable for stews to enhance aroma, balance nutrition according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, and eliminate unpleasant odors, especially in dishes like stewed pig’s stomach or beef stew.
Pink peppercorn: Pink peppercorn, also known as red pepper, is a small shrub with the scientific name Schinus terebinthifolius s and the English name Pink Pepper. Although called pink peppercorn, it doesn’t actually belong to the pepper family and isn’t peppercorns. In terms of spiciness and aroma, it’s certainly not as spicy or aromatic as other types of pepper like black pepper or white pepper. However, it commands a high price due to its difficulty in cultivation and its striking, unique color. It’s often used as a garnish to enhance the appeal of dishes.
3. Black pepper – A premium spice
Mikiri’s black pepper is made from delicious, large, round peppercorns sourced from Dak Lak – a region famous for pepper cultivation throughout the country. Due to the unique soil conditions, the peppercorns from this area have a much spicier and more aromatic flavor compared to other regions. After being carefully selected, they are ground using a modern production line with rigorous quality control. Furthermore, it is completely pure, natural pepper, without any additives, artificial colors, or flavors. Therefore, when tasted, customers can experience the characteristic natural spiciness and aroma of pepper. It is also packaged in small 15g packets, allowing for easy use; simply open the package to season and prepare dishes for your family as desired.
4. Pepper: A spicy and aromatic seasoning for dishes.
Almost all Vietnamese dishes contain this spice. Besides seasoning, you can try preparing dishes where pepper is also a main ingredient. For example, black pepper chicken breast, braised pork with pepper, braised fish with pepper, black pepper roasted chicken, etc., to change up the flavors for your family or on cold days. With just a packet of Mikiri black pepper , you can easily prepare delicious, flavorful, and nutritious dishes for your family.
