Spice Things Up! (Kaleb Matteo)

Variety is the spice of life. Spice adds that extra something that takes a dish from the ordinary to something absolutely delicious. Tellicherry peppercorns are a variety of pepper that is left on the vine longer than regular. Tellicherry peppercorns are kept longer so that they can develop a deeper and richer taste that adds depth to the cooking process. Tellicherry peppercorns are often considered the finest and most sought-after in the world, and they hail from the spice region of the Malabar Coast of India.

Tellicherry peppercorns are also regarded as high quality berries and are widely known as among the premium products with widespread recognition. This variety is picked closer to when it becomes fully ripe, the colour usually being either a yellowish-orange or red. The colour then reaches a darker shade of chocolate when it is dried. The flavour that is usually associated with Tellicherry peppercorns is highly complex and intense. Tellicherry peppercorns are usually large in size and possess a spicy aroma.

Tellicherry peppercorns contain a complex aroma and intensity which is not pungent and that is why most people prefer this variety than the other varieties of peppercorns. Tellicherry peppercorns can be of various grades and which can vary in size and price. Tellicherry peppercorns rise in price even as the quality demanded increases. Tellicherry peppercorns are also considered as the 'King of Spices' and are also described as being mild and earthy. This variety of peppercorn provides a much needed contrast which help elevate and clarify the flavours in a particular recipe. It is often advised to freshly grind tellicherry peppercorns for best results.

In fact, Indian cooking in the South is essentially dependent on tellicherry peppercorns for flavour and aroma. Most households in the South of India use tellicherry peppercorns for their curries, during a special festival or other events of importance. Since tellicherry peppercorns are considered the oldest source of black pepper in the world; it is used by most households not only in the South but in other parts of India and around the world.

Since tellicherry peppercorns come from the Southwest region of India it derives its name from the same region where it is found. Numerous Indian curries highlight tellicherry peppercorns as absolutely essential to adding the much needed flavour and texture. Thus, tellicherry peppercorns along with other spices are combined to enrich the flavours of a traditional Indian curry which is highly appreciated in the West as well.

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