The tailed pepper gets its name from the distinctive little growth attached to its seed. It should not be confused with wild Madagascar pepper.

This versatile spice can be used crushed, ground or whole grain, adapting to various culinary preparation methods.

Unlike other peppers, cubeb pepper is often added at the end of cooking or directly on the plate, as it can develop bitterness if exposed to prolonged heat.

Tasting Cubeb Pepper: An Enriching Sensory Experience

When tasting, cubeb pepper reveals a subtle and persistent heat on the palate, accompanied by delicate notes of mint. Its characteristic bitterness gives additional depth to its flavors.

Bitterness in Cooking: An Underestimated Element

Bitterness, once neglected in our daily diet, is now coming to the fore as an essential component of gastronomy. Well balanced, it adds complexity and richness to dishes, highlighting other flavors.

The Unique Flavor of Cubeb Pepper

The cubeb tail pepper is distinguished by its freshness, its powerful fragrance and its aromatic intensity. With its subtle aftertaste of cloves and mint, it offers an unforgettable taste experience.

Various Culinary Uses

This exotic pepper is a must-have in Asian cuisines. It goes perfectly with meat dishes, especially game, as well as vegetables and seafood. Also try it with cottage cheese or eggs for a touch of sophistication.

Here are some ways to use cubeb pepper in your recipes:

1. Seasoning meats  : Mix ground cubeb pepper with salt and rub it on meats before cooking. This will add a unique, spicy flavor.
2. Sauces and marinades  : Add cubeb pepper to your sauces, marinades or vinaigrettes for an exotic touch. It pairs well with ingredients such as garlic, ginger and coriander.
3. Stews  : Use cubeb pepper in stews, such as stews, curries or soups. It will provide subtle heat and depth of flavor.
4. Cheeses and cold meats  : Sprinkle a little cubeb pepper on cheese or cold meats for an interesting taste experience.
5. Fish and Seafood  : Try it with grilled fish or seafood for a bold flavor.

Here are 8 easy-to-make recipes: 

1. Duck Breast with Cubeb Pepper and Orange:

   • Marinate duck breasts in a mixture of olive oil, orange zest, ground cubeb pepper, salt and pepper.
   • Cook them in the pan until they are golden brown and cooked through.
   • Accompany them with an orange sauce and serve with roasted potatoes and green beans.

2. Chicken with Cubeb Pepper Cream and Tarragon:

   • Brown pieces of chicken in a pan with olive oil.
   • Add crème fraîche, crushed cubeb pepper, chopped fresh tarragon, salt and pepper.
   • Simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
   • Serve with white rice or fresh pasta and a green salad.

3. Beef Tartare with Cubeb Pepper and Capers:

   • Mix fresh beef cubes with chopped capers, finely chopped shallot, ground cubeb pepper, salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.
   • Serve the tartare on slices of toast and garnish with rocket leaves and parmesan shavings.

4. White Fish in Papillote with Cubeb Pepper and Lime:

   • Place fillets of white fish (such as cod or sole) on sheets of parchment paper.
   • Season them with crushed cubeb pepper, salt, lime juice and lime slices.
   • Close the foil packets and bake them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes.
   • Serve with wild rice and steamed vegetables.

5. Grilled Shrimp with Cubeb Pepper and Curry:

   • Marinate peeled shrimp in a mixture of curry powder, ground cubeb pepper, salt, pepper and olive oil for about 30 minutes.
   • Thread them onto skewers and grill them on a barbecue or in a grilled pan until pink and lightly caramelized.
   • Serve with a yogurt and fresh coriander sauce, accompanied by basmati rice.

6. Creamy Risotto with Cubeb Pepper and Mushrooms:

   • Saute a variety of mushrooms (like button mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms) in butter and minced garlic until golden.
   • Add Arborio rice and cook for a few minutes while stirring.
   • Gradually pour in hot stock, stirring constantly until the rice is cooked and creamy.
   • Season with ground cubeb pepper, salt and grated Parmesan before serving.

7. Exotic Fruit Salad with Cubeb Pepper and Mint:

   • Mix diced exotic fruits (such as mango, pineapple and papaya) with chopped fresh mint leaves.
   • Add a pinch of ground cubeb pepper, lime juice and a drizzle of honey to lightly sweeten.
   • Serve chilled as an accompaniment to a fish dish or as a refreshing dessert.

8. Beef Carpaccio with Cubeb Pepper and Parmesan:

   • Thinly slice beef tenderloin and arrange the slices on a plate.
   • Season with crushed cubeb pepper, salt, lemon juice, olive oil and parmesan shavings.
   • Garnish with arugula and slices of fresh mushrooms, then serve as a starter with toasted bread.

As you can see, whether it is for eggs, white or red meats or salads, it is a unique and very long-lasting pepper. A high-end pepper, but be careful, you either like it or you don't like it. Because its aromatic power is incredible. Especially its aromatic notes of mint.