Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices worldwide. You can grind the peppercorns, which are dried berries from the vine Piper nigrum. It has a sharp and mildly spicy flavor that goes well with many dishes.
Black pepper can be added to your diet in several ways. Add flavor to meat, fish, vegetables, salad dressings, soups, stir-fries, pasta, and more. You can also add a dash of black pepper to scrambled eggs, avocado toast, fruit, and dipping sauces for a spicy kick.
Whenever possible, grind your own pepper from peppercorns when preparing a meal. Eating freshly ground black pepper gives you more health benefits than eating pre-ground black pepper. Using the fresh peppercorn also ensures that you're eating pure black pepper, not pepper mixed with other additives.
When stored in a cool, dry place, the shelf life of black pepper is up to two to three years.
