Cubeb pepper

Poivre cubèbe

What it is

Recognisable by the little stalk left attached — the tailed pepper. Medieval Europe used it constantly, then Portugal banned its import in the seventeenth century to protect the black pepper trade, and it vanished from the repertoire for three hundred years.

In the kitchen

It is closer to allspice and pine than to pepper. Use it in game marinades and in gin-scented dishes, sparingly.

Goes with

Juniper berry Venison Clove Bay leaf Red wine vinegar Onion Black pepper Thyme

Same species

Ashanti pepper Black pepper Green peppercorn Hoja santa Lolot leaf Long pepper

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