This berry is not part of Piper Nigrum and in France the pepper appellation is prohibited by an order of 1945.
But in Africa it is called false African pepper, even though there are beautiful pepper plantations.
You will discover it in tropical forests, near rivers and in the desert environments of the savannah.
It's a bit like the pinot palm which makes powdered acai , particularly the roxo variety. It grows on the banks of the Amazon and in the Cerrado, the Brazilian savannah with the most biodiversity.
But you should know that the yield is different between the two production areas, on our blog you will find out everything.
You should know that in Ivory Coast, it is still called Guinea pepper, Selim pepper or long pepper. Even if it has nothing to do with Kampot long pepper or Java long pepper . But in Portuguese we designate pepper and pepper berry. Pink Berry , Pimenta Rosa and Pimenta do Reino black pepper. You understand that it was state property to have the name Reino.
In English it is called African pepper or Ethiopian pepper (Xylopia aethiopica). It is a member of the Annonaceae family. It is known by a variety of regional names throughout the African continent. Its cylindrical, dark brown fruits resemble pods, like beans on a smaller scale.
Don’t hesitate to discover our vanilla pods .
Each pod can measure between 2.5 and 5 cm long and contain between 5 and 8 kidney-shaped seeds. The pods are fragrant, but the seeds are not. A bit like Timut Bay and Sichuan Bay .
Thus, the whole gives it a slightly bitter and slightly spicy aromatic flavor.
The spicy component appears to be a combination of cubeb pepper and nutmeg.
But when you smell it, you immediately notice the licorice and black pepper.
You should know that there are other species, for example, Xylopia parviflora.
For the record, this berry was first found in Ethiopia by Arab merchants, then by Europeans in Ghana, this African spice brought joy to families around the world until the 16th century, when Indian black pepper it's imposed.
Today, it is difficult to obtain it outside of the countries that produce it. Le Comptoir de Toamasina took time to select and offer you the Baie de Selim pepper mill.