Black Pepper the Currency Spices in ancient times.
Pepper, Black
Pepper, Blanc Poivre, Hu Jiao, Kali Mirchi, Maricha or scientific name Piper Nigrum
are well known spice widely used in every household around the world. Originated
from India, this spice has been known to Indian cooking since at least 2000
BCE.
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| Young Pepper corn and black pepper |
History
Pepper has played a very important role
throughout history and has been a prized spice since ancient times. Often
referred as "black gold" and used as a form of commodity money. Known
in Greece as early as the 4th century BCE, pepper held such high prestige probably an uncommon and
expensive item that only the very rich could afford. It was not only used for seasoning but as a
currency and to pay taxes and ransoms it was also use as sacred offering to honor the god. During the fall of ancient Rome, the
invading barbarians were even honoured by being given black pepper. It is said
that Alaric the Visigoth and Attila the Hun each demand from Rome a ransom of
more than a ton of pepper when they besieged the city in 5th century.
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| referred
to as "black gold" and used as a form of commodity money
Until during Middle Ages, the wealth of a
man was oftentimes measured by his stockpile of pepper. Virtually
all of the black pepper found in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa traveled there from India's Malabar region.
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| Black pepper found in Europe, Middle East and North African traveled there by Malabar region. |
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Black pepper comes from the pepper plant, a smooth woody
vine that can grow up to 33 feet in hot and humid tropical climates
Benefit
Besides using black pepper as Seasoning
and spice, Black pepper is commonly used to treat some illness such as
nausea, stomach ache, abdominal flatulence and abdominal bloating;
it is also used to treat of constipation and to treat people with a lack of
appetite.
As for herbal remedy, the essential oil
from the black pepper is used to reduce the symptoms associated with rheumatic
pain and to treat the painful sensations associated with toothaches and other
dental problems. The black pepper based herbal remedies are also known to have
antiseptic and antibacterial actions, and they are used in bringing down the
temperature of fever.
The Journal of Food and Chemical
Toxicology reported that the compound piperine in black pepper increases the
cognitive function of the brain and helps beat depression. Research found that
pepper eaten on a regular basis helps the brain function properly. Add it to
your daily meal, or eat it as seasoning on a salad. Pepper in any form can make you smarter and less depressed.
Another research carried out by the
University of Michigan Cancer Center, black pepper was found to prevent the
development of breast cancer tumors. They found that the piperine content of
black pepper plays a key role in preventing cancers.
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| whole black pepper
Black pepper is available whole, crushed
or ground into powder. To ensure best flavor, buy whole peppercorns and grind
them yourself . In addition, buying whole peppercorns will help to ensure that you are purchasing unprocessed pepper since ground pepper is oftentimes mixed with other spices.
Whole peppercorns should be heavy, compact and free of any blemishes.
For More Infomation on Buying good quality of black pepper please Contact Muhibah International at Enquiry@muhibah.international
Reference
Heinemann,
J. (2013). Food and chemical toxicology. Food And Chemical Toxicology, 53, 442.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2012.10.055
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