Peruvian pink pepper

The berries of the Peruvian pepper tree are known as 'pink pepper', just like those of the better-known Brazilian pepper tree. In terms of taste, this pink pepper distinguishes itself with a subtle 'sourness'. The berry is pale pink, in contrast to the pink-red blushing Brazilian berry.

Stock item. Limited availability.

The pink pepper is not a pepper, because it is not part of the pepper family (Piperaceae), but of the smoke tree family, a not so well-known family, but with well-known plant species such as the cashew (nut), the pistachio (nut), sumac (herb), mango and the Greek mastic. The Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus molle) is originally from South America, just like the Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius). Both are used as a spice.

Our Peruvian  pink pepper comes from Colombia. Most Brazilian pink peppers come from Africa,  particularly from the islands of Madagascar, Réunion and Mauritius.

Pink berries are also called  'air dried', they get a wrinkled appearance like black pepper. Preferably they are freeze dried. Freeze drying preserves the smooth shape of the berry, and the subtle flavor palette and color are better preserved.

Smell and taste

The pink pepper is not a pepper, because it is not part of the pepper family (Piperaceae), but of the smoke tree family, a not so well-known family, but with well-known plant species such as the cashew (nut), the pistachio (nut), sumac (herb), mango and the Greek mastic.

Compared to black pepper, pink pepper is hardly spicy, although it can  this peruvian  berry tastes quite peppery. That  comes from the phenol carvacrol, an antioxidant that is found in much larger quantities in herbs such as savory, thyme and oregano, in addition to pink pepper. In the berries you can clearly taste juniper berries (also somewhat sweet), which is why the berries are also called red juniper berries  to mention.

Peruvian pink pepper contains the monoterpenes:

• α- and β-pinene, woody pine scent, as in cumin, pine cone, juniper and hemp
• α- and β-phellandrene, pleasant mint and citrus flavor, also found in allspice, and
• spathulenol, earthy, also found in oregano and selim pepper

Usage

Peruvian pink pepper has warm, woody and spicy notes that are very appealing. The berries combine well with cloves, cardamom, lemongrass, cinnamon, savory, oregano. tonka beans, vanilla, allspice, black pepper and chili pepper.

Delicious when pickled in vinegar.

Also try this pink pepper with fruits: peach, orange, lemon, grapefruit, melon, mango or papaya. And chocolate, in French tartines (mango) and bread, and even in desserts, such as sprinkling some over pêches melba or incorporating it into peach marmalade.

Fable
On the internet, the Peruvian pepper berry is often called 'poisonous'. Just like the Brazilian pepper berry, the Peruvian berry can cause allergic reactions in people who have a nut allergy, especially cashew nuts, to which the berry is closely related. The berry is certainly not poisonous.

As botanical

Just an example: the  Phizz Star: 50ml Star of Bombay, 15ml Bottlegreen Plump raspberry cordial, 15ml pink grapefruit juice and 30ml prosecco, finished with pink peppercorn peel crushed between your fingers. Try an infusion of pink peppercorns and red kampot in a ratio of 2:3 in gin or vodka.

Features:

• 100% Schinus berries  mole
• origin: Putumayo Colombia

Assortment

• available in stand-up pouch, glass and 10 ml test tube
• glass jar contains 30 grams

Gift wrapping

• The jar is available in a tasteful gift packaging, consisting of a cube box filled with black tissue paper
• For an overview of our gift packaging, please refer to the section gift wrapping

Allergens

These berries can cause allergic reactions in people with a cashew nut allergy.

General advice

• pink pepper can be eaten raw and used in hot preparations
• use the berries whole - also as a garnish - or grind them. Preferably do not do this with a pepper mill with a metal grinding mechanism. The skins are so thin and oily that the grinding mechanism quickly becomes clogged.
• Also consider using only the peels and not the whole berries.

Save:

• store your pink pepper in a closed container
• preferably store in a dark, dry and cool place
• at least good until June 2026 (06-2026)
• This expiration date is an indication

Would you like to know what this pink pepper tastes like?

You can also try a test tube. The tube contains enough pepper to fathom the flavor essence.

Batch number

The batch number helps us trace which supply an item originates from. It is stated on the packing slip and the invoice

Peruvian pink pepper is a stock item

We have a very limited stock of Peruvian pink pepper, so larger quantities are not available. For now.