The Peppercorn ( Piper nigrum ) is a woody perennial vine native to India . The come of this vine are eaten as aspicy seasoningand have been glean for thousands of days . Black , greenish , and white pepper are all made from the Piper nigrum vine . The version in spicery is due to how the seed is harvest and process .
History
One of the most pop spices from modern times into antiquity , black pepperplays no small role in the life and economy of people worldwide . blackened pepper were launch in the anterior naris of Ramesses III in ancient Egypt . In India , its use is documented as far back as 2000 B.C. , and it ’s the Indian body politic of Kerala where the ancient black black pepper diligence get down .
Peppercorns were a highly valued craft sound throughout the ancient world . By the sixteenth century , the peppercorn trade was expand in Southeast Asia . The British introduce black pepper to the western world after colonizing India .
The demand for this fervent seed has only grow . Today 473,000 short ton of inglorious pepper is sell per year globally . The principal producer of black peppercorn is Vietnam , which supplies about 163,000 wads .
Climate
bagpiper nigrumis a tropical heat - loving vine that grow in USDA hardiness zones 10 and up . Because of it ’s climbing habit , it ’s often found intermix with coffee and cacao tree or other tree crops .
This plant requires temperatures of above 65 ° F ( 18 ° C ) to develop . It likes well draining rich dirt that is constantly dampish or a mood with a lot of rainfall . It is possible to raise black pepper in cooler climate if they are brought in spite of appearance when the weather is nerveless .
Growth Habit
blackened pepper vinesare about 13 feet magniloquent . They will spread readily and settle where they concern the ground . They can easily become middling invasive if go out unpruned . Commercial vines require a trellis to keep them upright with good airflow and maximal production .
The plants grow spike with small special K to livid flower catkins . The flowers are self - fertile command no louse or wind pollination . The fruit develop in long clusters called drupes . calamitous peppercorn are the greenish drupes after being dried .
Growing at home
pepper grow similarly to vanilla extract vine . When growing at habitation in a container or out of doors , there are several significant cistron to mean about .
If keeping a industrial plant in a container , use a well - run out potting soil that will not compact or become water - logged . bagpiper nigrum plants grow slowly and may take up to three years to produce fruit .
