Some Spicy Pepper Facts! Did you know this about pepper?

Pepper, together with salt, is the most ubiquitous spice in the kitchen. Know throughout the world as the 'king of spice.' But how much do YOU know about the spice that you knowingly or unknowingly consume nearly daily.

1. In the Middle Ages, pepper was extremely rare and even functioned?as a currency, even worth more than silver in weight at one point.
2. Did you know that?all the colors?of true pepper are actually from the?same plant and the same peppercorn?that is only picked at different stages of maturity? The only true pepper comes from the pepper plant. From it, black, red and white peppercorns are gradually harvested and dried at different times.
3. The pepper plant?looks a lot like hops! It's a climbing plant that can grow up to 15 metres tall, can live to 60 years of age and be fruitful after three years.

4. Beware of fake pepper trees!?Pink pepper, commonly available in spice blends, is a pretty colorful pepper, but it grows on the branches of the Peruvian peppertree (Schinus molle) also known as 'false pepper' or Brazilian pepper tree, (remember true peppercorns come from a vine) so it's a poor relation of the true pepper. Likewise, cayenne pepper, the name of which is a mistranslation, is simply a ground chilli pepper.

5. Did you know that?each color of pepper can noticeably change the flavor of your food?and that good quality pepper should not be used in more than 1 color per dish? Each has its own specific characteristics and taste.

6. Do you know how to test the quality of pepper??When you put the balls in a glass of water, they should sink to the bottom after a few minutes because they are full, heavy and therefore of good quality. If not, then you know the peppercorns are hollow which denotes the poor quality. Go try it!

7. Did you know that quality pepper is a?natural aphrodisiac? Due to its blood-purging effects, it can be added along with cinnamon and ginger to promote masculine strength and ignite the right passion ??

8. Pepper has been enjoyed by our ancestors as far back as 2000 BC! Traces of pepper have been found in the nostrils of Pharaoh Ramesses II and notes on pepper in the writings of Roman historians suggest that pepper was known on the ancient continent much earlier. Its popularity grew rapidly and by the 10th century pepper was essentially the most popular spice in the world. For a long time it was considered one of the most?luxurious commodities. And from what we know, pepper arrived on European tables much later, thanks to seafaring discoveries made during the 15th century.

9. The world's largest producers of pepper are Vietnam, Indonesia and India. However quantity does not mean quality. Pepper from these regions often contain pesticides and have a very long journey through the trade exchanges, travelling for months by boat, so they often arrive in our supermarkets already stale and old. This will have an impact on the final taste.

10. Good quality pepper also?has many health benefits. It is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K, as well as calcium, iron, fibre and manganese. In addition, it contains ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.