Ceylon Black Pepper

Black Pepper, the most consumed spice in the world, is taken from the berries (or from ‘drupes’) of the plant Piper nigrum. Sri Lanka produces and exports Ceylon black pepper worldwide.

Ceylon Pepper is particularly favoured in the international market as it is quite rich in piperine, the alkaloid which lends it a distinct pungency due it’s terror. As a result, Ceylon Pepper from Sri Lanka fetches a premium price in the international spice market.

Taste of Sri Lankan black pepper is richly aromatic, with floral and citrus notes, while retaining a strong pungency. Depending on the time of harvest and the post-harvest process, there can be different types of pepper: green pepper, black pepper, red pepper and white For black pepper, the Piper nigrum berries are harvested when green and slightly immature, then it’s blanched and sun-dried. This makes it very rich in essential oil. The black colour results from the oxidation that occurs during drying.

Today, pure Sri Lankan origin pepper enjoys a huge demand internationally, and buyers are keener to discover spices that originate from a specific “terroir” just like wines. Ceylon Pepper is mainly exported to India, Germany and the USA and enjoys a growing demand from Australia and Canada.

Use of Black Pepper

Black pepper assists weight loss by suppressing appetite and preventing the formation of fat cells. The presence of phytonutrients supports this cause. Rich in antioxidants and active ingredient piperine*, black pepper initiates free-radical scavenging that helps chemoprevention and controls any progression of tumour growth and pre vents the growth of cancer cells. According to a study done by the University of Michigan. In cell studies, Piperine, the natural chem ical found in pepper, has shown anti- inflammatory antioxidant and anti-cancer activities.

Piperine in black pepper helps to stabilize glucose level in blood by improving its metabolism. Anti-inflammatory properties found in black pepper have the ability to reduce the occurrence of gum inflammation and oral infections. Black pepper lowers the levels of LDL cholesterol and increases HDL cholesterol which is good for the human body. By helping to reduce lower bad cholesterol black pepper reduces the risks of heart diseases.

Black pepper is a natural antidepressant. Piperine reduces the levels of oxidative stress and protects brain cells from damage. It also curbs the release of Monoamine oxidase, responsible for depression while it also induces the release of happy hormones, serotonin and dopamine.

Piperine reduces the risk of degenerative brain diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.