Pink or Red Peppercorns

Common Name

Also called Brazil pepper, pink peppercorns are not related botanically to black, green or white pepper, but only resemble the latter in shape and size. Schinus terebinthifolius is a medium sized shrub that can reach heights of ten meters and produces small pink berries. The peppercorns are found within this fruit and have a mild, almost sweet taste and aroma. In their native South America, the berries are often added to vinegar, syrup and wine.

Purported Medicinal Qualities*

Although not much information has been published on the reported health benefits of pink peppercorns, there is a plethora of information on the tree itself. Almost all parts of the Brazilian peppercorn tree have been used throughout history for medicinal purposes. The sap, leaves, bark and oleoresin (resin and oils) have been used to cure everything from menstrual pain to syphilis.

Historically, various parts of the pink peppercorn tree have been used to:

• Relieve gingivitis
• a diuretic
• As an anti-septic
• As an astringent
• Promote regularity
• Relieve ulcer pain and symptoms
• Heal wounds
• Relieve STD symptoms

* Always check with your healthcare provider before consuming, inhaling or otherwise ingesting any non-prescription or prescription natural or homeopathic substance or pharmaceutical. ChefatHand.com is not recommending, suggesting, inferring or otherwise endorsing the use of any herb or spice as a medication.

Culinary/Suggested Use

Pink peppercorns have a very mild flavor that is not spicy, rather almost sweet. Similar to juniper, but far less strong, pink peppercorns will add color and a very mild flavor to any dish. Pink peppercorns are best when used on their own or with other spices that are not true peppers. Add pink peppercorns to fish, vegetables or even desserts.  Food for thought:

• Add pink peppercorns to a lemon and white wine reduction sauce over fish
• Grind pink peppercorns into salad dressings or sprinkle over salad
• Add pink peppercorns to fruit salad
• Infuse white wine or rice vinegar with pink peppercorns, then strain. Add fresh pink peppercorns for color after bottling
• Sprinkle cracked pink peppercorns over grilled vegetables
• Grind pink, green, white and black peppercorns over light sauces, mashed potatoes, eggs and cheeses for a beautiful medley of both color and flavor.

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