How black pepper grows, its benefits and harms, areas of application

In the Middle Ages, black pepper, when it was already widespread in Europe, served as a spice, and a medicine, and an exchange coin, and a means of investment, and just a gift among wealthy people. They were paid quitrent, paid bribes and fines.

Today for us it is just a spice that is in every kitchen. We, without hesitation, pepper our dishes. And what is pepper? What are his properties, how it grows how is it useful and harmful? It turns out that spicy seasoning can not only improve the taste of dishes. Read on for more details.

Black pepper

Piper, or, as everyone knows, pepper is one of the oldest cultures... The history of the cultivation of black pepper in its historical homeland in the state of Kerala (formerly Malihabar, in translation "the land of pepper") on the southwestern coast of India has more than four thousand years.

This narrow coastal strip is the birthplace of the climbing shrub, the fruit of which is the famous black pepper.

Interesting. Peas were called "black gold", they were traded and could be used as money. In Germany, wealthy people were called the "pepper bag".

Black peppercorns were used in the mummification of the pharaohs, as evidenced by the excavation of the tomb of Ramses II (1213 BC). Then the use of peas in cosmetology began.

Today the world leader in the production of spices is Vietnam.

Pepper is a species of the genus Pepper of the Pepper family (Piperaceae). It is a shrub or a small liana-shaped tree, reaching a length of 15 meters in natural habitat. True, on plantations its height is no more than 5-6 meters. Aerial roots are formed on the nodes.

Science knows up to one and a half thousand species, but only six of them are used as a seasoning: African, Long, Black and White Piper and Kubeba. Most of the species grow in the tropics - America and the monsoon regions of East Asia.

The fruit of the plant is round and pea-like 3-5 mm in diameter. Initially it has a green color, as it ripens - it turns red, when it dries up - it turns black. Cobs of pepper reach a length of 8-14 cm, each tassel contains about 20-30 fruits.

Previously, pharmacies used peas as a weight when weighing goods. If the fruits are of high quality, then 1000 peas weigh exactly 460 g.

They are distributed mainly by birds and small mammals such as bats.

Leaves are simple, ovate, leathery, alternate, 80-100 mm long. It blooms with small white or gray-yellow flowers, collected in inflorescences.

Bears fruit twice a year for 25-30 years, starting in the fourth year. Divorced only for the sake of obtaining fruit.

Botanical illustration from a book, 1887

Chemical composition and properties

Today the spice is widespread and grown on plantations from America to Asia.

Composition:

• resin (1-2%);
• fatty oil (6-12%);
• oleoresin - used as a food additive in the industrial production of products;
• the alkaloid piperine (5-9%), which gives the pungency to the pepper of the genus Piper;
• essential oil (0.9-2.5%). It is responsible for the familiar smell of pepper.The essential oil contains dipentene, pellandrene, sesquiterpene, caryophyllene;
• starch (up to 60% - depending on the type).

Nutritional value per 100 g of product:

• carbohydrates - 64 g (21% of a person's daily intake);
• fats - 3.26 g (4%);
• proteins - 10.39 g (14%);
• water - 12.46 g;
• ash - 9.89 g.

Calorie content - 256 kcal per 100 g.

Composition:

• sugars - 0.6 g;
• fiber - 25.3 g;
• cholesterol - 0 mg;
• trans fats - 0 g.

Of the fat-soluble, black pepper contains vitamins A, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, E and K.

Of the water-soluble vitamins B1, B2, B3 (PP), B4, B5, B6 and B9:

• vitamin A - 27 mcg (3% of a person's daily value);
• beta-carotene - 310 mcg (6.2%);
• alpha carotene - 12 mcg (0.2%);
• vitamin E - 1 mg (7.1%);
• vitamin K - 163.7 μg (136.4%);
• vitamin B1 - 0.1 mg (9.0%);
• vitamin B2 - 0.2 mg (13.8%);
• vitamin B3 - 1.1 mg (7.1%);
• vitamin B4 - 11.3 mg (2.3%);
• vitamin B5 - 1.4 mg (28.0%);
• vitamin B6 - 0.3 mg (22.4%);
• vitamin B9 - 17 μg (4.3%).

The ratio of minerals (macro- and microelements) contained in black pepper:

• calcium - 443 mg (44.3% of the daily human intake);
• iron - 9.7 mg (97.1%);
• magnesium - 171 mg (42.8%);
• phosphorus - 158 mg (22.6%);
• potassium - 329 mg (28.3%);
• sodium - 20 mg (1.5%);
• zinc - 1.2 mg (10.8%);
• copper - 1.3 mg (147.8%);
• manganese - 12.8 mg (554.5%);
• selenium - 4.9 μg (8.9%);
• fluorine - 34.2 mcg.

Benefit

Spices are credited with many useful properties: antiseptic, antioxidant, antibacterial, carminative, antimicrobial, analgesic, antispasmodic, tonic, warming, diuretic and choleretic.

There are such positive characteristics:

1. For the cardiovascular system: improves blood circulation, preventing blood clots.
2. For the respiratory system: in combination with honey, it helps to remove mucus from the lungs.
3. For the digestive system: removes toxins, toxins and parasites from the body, is useful for the liver, stimulates the production of enzymes to improve metabolism.
4. For the nervous system: a natural antioxidant, stimulates the production of the hormones of joy endorphin and serotonin.

Black pepper can be beneficial for:

• with violations of blood circulation;
• in the absence of appetite;
• with insufficient secretion of gastric juice;
• with colic, constipation, weak intestinal peristalsis;
• in the role of a diuretic;
• with arthrosis, rheumatism, arthritis;
• with ARVI;
• with sprains and muscle pain;
• for the treatment of herpes;
• to strengthen the immune system;
• for the treatment of migraines, weakness and dizziness;
• to revitalize the spleen;
• to thin the blood;
• with dermatitis;
• to eliminate toothache;
• with diseases of the oral cavity;
• overweight;
• as an aphrodisiac.

Harm

The harm of Piper lies only in its pungency, which can cause harm to the body. But for this you need to eat more than 4 g of pepper per day.

You should limit the consumption of black pepper if there are diseases:

• gastric mucosa (gastritis, ulcer);
• with hypertension;
• in case of serious kidney and bladder pathologies;
• with mental disorders;
• pregnancy.

Applying black pepper

Usually pepper is added to dishes, when there are signs of a cold, "taken on the chest." However, there are many more ways to use it.

In cooking

For culinary purposes, spice is mainly used. Black pepper is added to all dishes: soups, main courses, sausages, sausages, confectionery, cold snacks.

Experienced chefs also use white spice in cooking, adding it to creamy sauces, white meat and fish dishes.

Green Piper is a favorite flavoring in Asian cuisine, although it is now becoming more common in Europe. It also goes well with sauces, seafood, meat.

Interesting. An unusual use of the Malikhabara berry is in desserts and cookies, and adding it to cocktails, teas and coffee will give drinks a tonic effect and an unusual taste.

In Russia, black pepper is widespread both in peas and ground. Its shelf life is not limited under sealed storage conditions. But the validity of the ground is limited to a month, after which it loses its sharpness and spice. Therefore, spice mills are relevant and in demand, allowing you to grind peppers during cooking.

In folk medicine

The use of pepper in folk medicine has been practiced for a long time. Tinctures, inhalation, rinsing and rubbing are made from it.

Important! Observe the dosage - the slightest excess of the permissible portions can cause discomfort and side effects.

Against cough

Piper helps thin phlegm. For easier coughing, take two small pinches of ground product (on the tip of a knife), mix thoroughly with four tablespoons of honey and add a few drops of lemon juice. Take this remedy three times a day.

Against colds

In case of ARVI, you should eat two peas four times a day.

With diarrhea

For intestinal disorders, it is recommended to drink 1 tbsp. l. baked milk with black pepper on the tip of a knife.

For constipation

Spicy seasoning stimulates intestinal motility.

To do this, it is recommended to take half a teaspoon of pepper and a pinch of cinnamon, dilute in a glass of boiling water, leave for half an hour. Then drink one sip for an hour. Spasms subside, the work of the digestive system is normalized.

In the treatment of respiratory organs (respiratory diseases)

Brew milk with black spice and turmeric, drink in small sips.

For joint pain and rheumatism

For grinding: 1 cup olive oil, two tablespoons of pepper. Heat in a water bath for about 15 minutes. Refrigerate to room temperature. Rub into sore spots.

Pepper plaster works well. To do this, mix one teaspoon each of pepper, honey and flour. Apply to a sore spot, cover with gauze on top and fix with a plaster.

For the treatment of impotence

Mix 0.25 tsp. hot spices and 0.25 tsp. Sahara. This makes half a teaspoon of the mixture. Dissolve it in a glass of milk, drink it. Repeat for seven days.

With diabetes

People with diabetes are prone to thrombosis, and hot spices thin the blood. The product speeds up metabolism, its glycemic index is low - only 15 units, there will be no harm from it. But you need to know when to stop - the maximum dose is only 1 g per day.

Slimming

The fat-burning property of the seasoning allows you to lose weight with physical inactivity. It enhances intestinal peristalsis and promotes rapid cleansing of toxins, prevents new fat deposition.

To do this, it is useful to make a drink from the juice of cucumbers (100 ml), bell pepper (50 ml) and tomatoes (50 ml), adding a pinch of ground spice.

For kidney stones

This tool will help dissolve the sand or remove stones: put black peas inside the raisins. Take five of these peas once a day before lunch for two weeks.

For skin diseases

Mix the seasoning and henna in equal proportions. Apply to damaged areas once a day.

This remedy will help with lichen, eczema, boils, urticaria. If you grind black grains into dust, then mix with yogurt, you can get rid of freckles and acne.

In cosmetology and perfumery

Since the use of pepper in the mummification of pharaohs, science has advanced far ahead.

Interesting. The spice is able to improve skin tone, even out its color. Creams with pepper berry extract have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which helps problem skin.

Applying the seasoning in combination with other hair ingredients helps to strengthen the hair follicles, awaken dormant follicles, and make hair thicker and stronger.

Mask for the face

Helps cleanse the skin from acne and acne, accelerates the regeneration of epidermal cells. It is applied externally.

To do this, mix pepper and cottage cheese in equal proportions until a homogeneous consistency. Apply to face with massage, circular motions. Rinse off after 15 minutes with cool water. With regular use, the skin color evens out and inflammations go away.

Hair Mask

For hair loss, mix equal proportions of salt, pepper powder and onion juice. Apply to hair for 45 minutes over the entire length. Massage into scalp. Rinse off with natural shampoo. The effect will be noticeable with regular use for the fourth time.

Compresses for puffiness under the eyes

"Bags" under the eyes are a problem in modern society. The fast pace of life, constant stress and lack of sleep are the cause of edema.

Mix half a teaspoon of ground coffee and the same amount of coconut oil. Add Malikhabara berries on the tip of the knife. Dilute with water until the consistency of thick sour cream. Apply the mixture to swelling for 10 minutes - gently so as not to get into the eyes. Rinse off with a damp cotton swab, rinse with cool water.

The compress will improve the condition of the skin under the lower eyelids.

Contraindications

The benefits and harms of black pepper depend on whether there are strict contraindications to its use. In moderation, the product will help get rid of the symptoms of many diseases and strengthen the body. You should not abuse it for people with hypertension, gastrointestinal diseases, and throat diseases.

How to grow black pepper at home

It is possible to grow a spice at home. Let's take a closer look at what you should pay attention to.

Varieties

For growing have to look for seeds of red black pepper. They are sold in sealed plastic bags.

It is believed that any varieties of seeds that are sold in the grocery store in the seasoning section can germinate. Experiment.

Only large black peas will sprout, so choose quality products that have been dried without breaking technology and using chemicals that increase the shelf life.

Pay attention to what is written on the package: how it was dried seed, whether in a natural way.

Peas packed over a year ago are unlikely to sproutso look for fresher seeds.

Soak them in warm water (+ 25 ° С) for a day before planting. Throw out those that come up.

Landing

Seeds should be planted in a pot with a drainage layer of expanded clay or ordinary rubble. Ready mix is ​​suitable for planting. Planted in late May - early June.

A container with a landing is placed on the western or eastern windows, where there is no direct sunlight, but there is enough lighting. In the absence of such an opportunity, on the south side, you will have to hide the plant from bright light.

Pepper feels good at a temperature of +25 ° C. At + 16 ° C, a period of dormancy, wintering begins.

To start sprouting, cover it with a film - for a greenhouse effect and creating a climate similar to a tropical one. Air and water the plants regularly. Seedlings should appear at 3-4 weeks.

Care

The soil should be slightly damp. In the fall, watering is halved.

Fertilize with a complex mineral fertilizer or chicken manure. This is done twice a year: before growing (in spring) and after fruiting (in autumn).

Transplanted in the spring as needed. Young plants are transplanted every year using larger planting containers, and adults - once every two years.

Problems that can be encountered in the growing process:

• the plant stretches or sheds foliage - lack of sunlight;
• brown leaves - not enough moisture, with yellowing - excessive moisture;
• under good growing conditions, the plant reaches a height of up to two meters - then it will need a support.

During cultivation, white formations resembling eggs can be seen on the back of the leaf. They will turn black over time. These formations are a feature of plants, they do not pose any danger.

Harvesting and storage

The spice begins to bear fruit in the second year of growth. Depending on the time of harvest, green, white and black peppers are obtained. White is obtained by steeping ripe fruits for two weeks and then peeling and drying.

It is best to store in a tightly closed glass jar. Grind before use in small portions.

Conclusion

In order for the Malikhabara berry to hit the table in its usual form, the crop is harvested still unripe, green or yellow.Harvesting sometimes takes many months, as the seeds ripen unevenly, so the process is considered labor intensive.

Seasoning lovers don't have to go to the store for pepper. You can plant it on your windowsill. The rules and secrets of growing are now known to you. With good care, get your own spicy crop in two to three years.