Spice Garden Pepper, black, whole

Black pepper is obtained from almost mature pepper fruits. The peppercorns harvested whole are, after a brief superficial disinfecting with boiling water, stored overnight at room temperature. Similar to tea leaves, it initiates a fermentation process in which the still green berries turn black. The subsequent drying is usually only in the sun. The black pepper harmonizes with all dark dishes and sauces. Its full spectrum of flavors is best preserved in the whole grains. They should be freshly ground from the mill just before use, or crushed in a mortar.