Spice Garden Pink Pepper - Schinus Berries

Pink peppercorns are misnamed, as they have no peppery pungency whatsoever, but rather a mild, sweet aroma. They should not be confused with the (rarely available) ripe red peppercorns. Botanically, pink peppercorns are correctly called Schinus berries. They come from sumac trees, which also include mangoes, cashews, and pistachios. Originally native to Brazil and Peru, the Schinus pepper tree is now also found as an ornamental shrub in Mediterranean countries. The berries have a sweet and aromatic flavor, similar to juniper, which can also be used as a substitute. Pink peppercorns can enhance both the visual appeal and flavor of mildly spiced dishes, such as asparagus or fish.