Dictionary Page - Black Pepper
Black Pepper
Pronunciation
IPA: /blæk ˈpɛpər/
Definitions
1. A spice obtained from the dried fruit of the pepper plant (Piper nigrum), commonly used in cooking for flavoring and seasoning.
2. The dried, ground peppercorns of the pepper plant, used as a condiment or spice.
Usage Examples
1. "Sprinkle some black pepper on the salad for added flavor."
2. "The soup was seasoned with black pepper and a pinch of salt."
Etymology
The word "black pepper" comes from the Latin word "piper," which itself was derived from the Greek word "péperi." It refers to the dried fruit or seed of the Piper nigrum plant, a vine native to South and Southeast Asia.
Synonyms
Pepper, Black spice
Antonyms
Salt, Sugar (as common seasonings)
Translations
| Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
| French | Poivre noir | /pwɑvʁ nwaʁ/ |
| Spanish | Pimienta negra | /piˈmjenta ˈneɣɾa/ |
| German | Schwarzer Pfeffer | /ˈʃvaʁt͡sə ˈpfɛfɐ/ |
| Italian | Pepe nero | /ˈpeːpe ˈneːro/ |
| Portuguese | Pimenta preta | /piˈmɛ̃tɐ ˈpɾɛtɐ/ |
| Hindi | काली मिर्च | /kaːliː mɪrʧ/ |
| Marathi | काली मिरी | /kaːliː mɪriː/ |
| Tamil | கருவேப்பிலை | /kaɻuːvēppilai/ |
| Telugu | కాళీ మిర్చి | /kaːɭiː mirʧi/ |
| Bengali | কালো মরিচ | /kaːloː morich/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
US: /blæk ˈpɛpər/
UK: /blæk ˈpɛpə/
India: /kaːliː mɪrʧ/ (Hindi), /kaːliː mɪriː/ (Marathi)
Historical Usage
Black pepper has been used for thousands of years and is one of the oldest and most traded spices in history. It was highly prized in ancient India, Greece, and Rome, and was often used as a currency. It became a significant part of the spice trade between Europe and Asia during the Age of Exploration, and was one of the main reasons for the European colonial expansion in Asia.
Cultural Nuances
In various cultures, black pepper is regarded as an essential seasoning, sometimes even thought to have medicinal qualities. In some regions, black pepper is considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and it is often associated with traditional dishes, particularly in Southeast Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. In India, black pepper is used not only for culinary purposes but also in Ayurvedic medicine.
More Information
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae. It is native to the tropical regions of South India, where it has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. The peppercorns are harvested when they are still green and unripe, then dried and processed to produce black pepper. The peppercorns contain piperine, an alkaloid that gives the spice its sharp flavor and pungency.
Black pepper is widely used in both whole and ground forms in cooking and is a key ingredient in a variety of spice blends, including curry powder and garam masala. The spice is often paired with salt in the culinary world, and it complements a wide range of dishes, from meats and soups to vegetables and sauces. Due to its global cultivation, black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices worldwide.