Madagascar pink peppercorns
Short answer: pink peppercorns are not a true pepper but the fruit of the Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius), a different plant altogether. They give a light heat, resinous notes and a sweet edge that is ideal for finishing a dish or for fusion cooking.
Madagascar pink peppercorns bring freshness, colour and originality. Often paired with black and white pepper in blends, they also have a real identity of their own when used alone.
Where pink peppercorns come from
The Brazilian pepper tree grows in Madagascar as an ornamental and useful tree. Its small pink berries are picked when ripe, then dried with no further processing, which preserves their colour and their delicate aroma.
Aroma profile: mild, resinous, fruity
Pink peppercorns are not hot in the way black pepper is. They give a resinous perfume close to juniper, a fruity sweetness and a very light bitterness. This is a spice of nuance rather than of attack.
How to use pink peppercorns in the kitchen
Crush pink peppercorns in a mill or a mortar just before use. They colour the plate as much as they perfume it.
- On a fish carpaccio, smoked salmon or a tartare.
- In a dessert cream, with white chocolate or sweetened fresh cheese.
- In a fragrant dressing: oil, lemon, crushed berries.
- On foie gras, as a finishing touch.
How to store pink peppercorns
Airtight jar, away from light. Whole berries keep their colour and their perfume for 12 to 18 months. They oxidise faster than true peppers: choose small formats and use them quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Are pink peppercorns a pepper? Botanically, no. In the kitchen, though, they are used like a mild, fragrant pepper, most often alongside others.
Can they be eaten on their own? Yes, they are not strong. But they truly come into their own combined with other peppers or with herbs.
Can they cause allergies? For a small number of people, yes. Go easy if you are sensitive to tree nuts or to turpentine.
Buying Madagascar pink peppercorns
For the kitchen, choose the 30 g pouch, the 30 g spice shaker, or a pouch and mill pack.
See also: our pink peppercorn selection and the peppers & berries blend.
