A spice that is typically found ground or in whole peppercorns. It is earthy, warm, and slightly spicy in flavor.
Originated in the Western Ghats of India approximately 3,000 years ago.
Traders from the Middle East introduced Europe and Africa to pepper as early as 1000 BCE.
Pepper was an expensive commodity in Europe. The desire for access to cheaper pepper, among other spices, led to the voyages of Christopher Columbus and other explorers.
New Oxford Book of Food Plants by John Vaughan et al. (2009)
“Off the Spice Rack: The Story of Pepper” by Stephanie Cutler (2013) https://www.history.com/news/off-the-spice-rack-the story-of-pepper
Black Eyed Peas are a very traditional southern dish. Growing up, my mother always made sure we had black eyed peas, cornbread, collard greens, and stewed tomatoes for new years. Black eyed peas represent good luck and prosperity. As a child I hated black eyed peas and didn’t fully appreciate them until I became a chef. Now, as an adult and a chef, I continue this tradition and hope to one day pass it down to my children.