LATIN NAME: Piper borbonense
A TOUCH OF HISTORY,
Pepper was originally an offering to the gods. Subsequently, it was used as money (comparable to gold), ransom and even taxes. It originates is from the Ghats (mountain range) and grows on the Malabar coast (West India). It was then used in other places like Asia, Madagascar and Brazil. Called "poivre", is was Pierre POIVRE , governor of Mauritius who gave it his French name "poivre". In the past, everyone's wealth was measured by their stock of pepper. Currently, it is used as a last-minute condiment to really enhance the flavours in meals.
This wild pepper has only been in our kitchens since a few years ..
LET’S DIG IN!!
From the family of piperaceae (lianas, shrubs), its flowers are hermaphrodite and pollinated by rain. These fruits, "voa" of the plant "tsiperifery" in Malagasy language, form a cluster of about 15 centimeters long containing about forty berries. These pepper berries are like the Piper Cubeba but smaller. The red Voatsiperifery pepper is picked young. It is considered a rare spice because it is difficult to pick (grains harvested one by one). For all its flavors to emerge, the pepper must be ground and milled at the last moment. Red wild pepper is more pungent than its counterpart the black Voatsiperifery. Its fruity taste (citrus) and woody perfume will add an exotic note to your meals. It goes well with pepper mixes, powders and aromatic herbs.
Its use is essential to increase taste of food: it will go well with fish, crustaceans, red meat, poultry, foie gras. It is used in pastries made from red fruits.
With this spice, your preparations will be a nice suprise to everyone. You can find it in Malagasy berries mix.
WHAT OUR GRANDMOTHERS TOLD US
First, the piperine it contains is an alkaloid (sensation of pseudo-heat). It has antioxidant properties. In addition, it is antibacterial. It protects the digestive system and works up an appetite. Finally, pepper is known for its aphrodisiac, toning and fortifying effects on the body. It is also an anti-aging tonic.
ANECDOTE...
This pepper grows wild in Malagasy primary forests ...
