Spice Garden Tasmanian Pepper Berries, black, whole

Tasmanian pepper is not botanically a true pepper, but rather the berry-like fruit of an evergreen shrub found primarily in Tasmania. The leaves and berries of this plant have a peppery aroma. The dried black berries are used in typical Australian specialties such as emu hamburgers and kangaroo steaks. They taste slightly sweet at first, followed by a very hot heat, though the spiciness doesn`t last long. A helpful tip: Marinate pieces of meat with a little Tasmanian pepper and oil, then briefly fry or grill. Freshly crushed peppercorns also season stews and give light sauces a light pink hue. Prolonged cooking is not recommended. It`s best to grind the berries in a mortar and pestle.