Black Pepper
Why Madagascar?
Black pepper requires particular growing conditions to thrive. We source our black pepper from Madagascar, which has an ideal climate for the plant.
How Does It Work?
Black pepper grows on a flowering vine that can grow up to 32 feet (10 m). It can be grown interspersed among shade crop trees, such as coffee. The black pepper vine is woody with green, almond-shaped leaves that grow from it.
Among the leaves are fruit clusters, known as “drupes” that can grow up to about 6 inches (15 cm) long. When mature, the fruit changes from green to dark red. They turn even darker, appearing black, after being harvested and dried. Usually, the fruit is dried to be used as a spice (peppercorn). In fact, black pepper is sometimes called the “King of Spices.” The essential oil is produced using steam distillation.