Pepper

Pepper, the king of all spices is considered as the oldest and best known in the world. India is one of the largest pepper producer in the world. It is mainly cultivated in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.       

Pepper corns are very strong in odour and taste, used in canned foods as a flavouring agent. It is commonly used in all dishes as a very popular spice.

Indian black pepper is of two types; 'Malabar garbled' and 'Thalessary extra Bold'. Several processed form of green pepper are also available (frozen, dehydrated, free-dried and packed in brined). It is exported to many parts of the world.

Punnayur, Karimuda, Kottanadan, Kalluvally and Balankotta are the different varieties of pepper cultivated. From October the harvesting season begins and ends in the month of February. Long pepper is found in states like Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, 'Anamalai hills' in Tamil Nadu and Chirapunji in Assam.