Substitutes for Black Pepper

Black pepper has been around for centuries and even more valuable than gold at one time (Source: Wikipedia). Its spicy subtly hot bite brings to life any savory or sweet dish, but there are times when its heat is not wanted or warranted, but the dish needs a little kick. This article offers five different peppers that will accommodate and compliment any dish.

1. Grains of Paradise. These are also known as Guinea Pepper or Alligator Pepper. It is spicy and warm while being only a touch bitter. It can be used as pepper in any dish, but it also has a unique property in that it can be chewed to warm the body. If it cannot be found in your local grocery store, you can purchase it online at such places as www.americanspice.com.

2. White Peppercorns. These peppercorns are milder in aroma than black peppercorns, as well as smoother in flavor, but they are spicier, sharp and have a slightly hotter bite than the black has. It is interesting to note that white peppercorns are matured black peppercorns that have had its out skin removed.

3. Green Peppercorns. These young peppercorns will give your dish a fresh taste. They are smooth, mild and offer a unique "green" flavor to your dish. These peppercorns are picked while they are immature. Then they are steamed cooked and air-dried to preserve their green color.

4. Pink Peppercorns. Offers a mild and sweet to the point of almost fruity flavor to your dish. It should be noted that pink peppercorns are not true pepper, but from a blush called the Baies Rose Bush. They are prepared and preserved the same way as black peppercorns. Note: these peppercorns my cause an allergic reaction because the plant is a cousin of the mango tree.

One the other end of the scale is one of the spiciest peppercorns available without added flavorings such as cayenne powder and that is:

5. Szechwan Peppercorns. Again, not a true peppercorn, but the seed from the Prickly Ash Bush. The Szechwan peppercorn is spicy and because of this spice, it has become a popular condiment when it is toasted, ground and mixed with coarse salt. It is also one of the ingredients in Chinese Five Spice Powder.

Most, if not all, can be found at your local grocery store. If your store does not carry such peppercorns, there is always the internet. These spices can be found at such placed as www.americanspice.com. So enjoy experimenting and adding a different touch of spice and heat without caused a four-alarm mouth fire.