The mountain pepper plant is used both ornamentally and in food preparation, and the tree produces two products: the berry and the leaf. The berries are dark-blue to black in colour and have a sweet, aromatic peppery taste. The leaves, stems and berries produce approximately three times the antioxidants of blueberries.
Eaten fresh, the immediate taste is one of sweet, earthy notes with an intense peppery bite that lingers on the tongue and back palate, leaving an almost mineral-like aftertaste that continues to build in heat. Native mountain pepperberries are typically hotter than conventional black pepper, but more versatile, and complement both sweet and savoury dishes.
The berries can be used fresh, dried or milled as a spice. The intensity of the peppery heat decreases the longer it cooks, which slowly releases the sweetness of the berries and adds a richer flavour. Add a little just before serving to experience the fullness of the spice’s peppery punch.
Pepperberries pair well with dairy (yoghurt, most cheese varieties, cream, ice cream and gelato/sorbet), oil and vinegar-based meat marinades and salad dressings, meat-based sauces and egg-based condiments. Complements fish, seafood, chicken, pork, lamb, beef and game meat, and pairs perfectly with all vegetable varieties.
Mountain pepperberries lift the profile of alcoholic beverages such as gin, vodka, white rum, Cointreau and tequila. It adds a dark pinkish tint and refreshing, spicy twist to soda, tonic, mineral water and lemonade.
