Cubeb pepper (tailed)

Cubeb pepper is a spice renowned for its rich aroma and distinctive flavors. It gives off notes of musk, leather, wood, and mint. On the palate, it offers an intense and complex flavor, with earthy and woody touches, an appreciable length on the palate, and aftertastes of pine, mint, licorice and chocolate. Compared to black pepper, it is milder, with a hint of fruitiness.  Originally from the tropical regions of India and Sri Lanka, cubeb pepper is obtained from the fruit of a plant in the Myrtaceae family. Despite its similar shape to black pepper, it is distinguished by its smaller grains and a more subtle flavor. It is considered a milder and aromatic alternative to black pepper, acting as a flavor enhancer and pairing perfectly with Asian dishes. The level of piperine, the alkaloid responsible for the spiciness of pepper, in cubeb pepper is between 4 and 5%.  Cubeb pepper, although belonging to a different botanical family than black pepper, has long been considered a false pepper. It was even banned in Portugal in the 17th century to favor the black pepper that the king sold.  This pepper offers many health benefits, as it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Its regular consumption improves brain functions and heart health. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it protects cells against damage caused by free radicals, strengthens the immune system, improves digestion, relieves joint and muscle pain, and has antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties.  In cooking, cubeb pepper, often nicknamed "black pepper from heaven", is a versatile ingredient to enhance various dishes. It goes well with soups, meats, fish, vegetables, salads, stews, and dairy-based sauces. It is ideal for refined recipes such as risotto, fried mushrooms, white meats, and fine fish. It is also popular in Asian cuisine, perfect for dishes based on seafood and poultry. In addition, it brings a touch of flavor to fruity desserts such as pies, fruit salads, compotes, jams and fried fruit. To reveal its full flavor, it is recommended to grind the cubeb pepper at the end of cooking using a pepper mill or a mortar, which allows it to release an intense fragrance and woody notes.