Pink peppercorn

Baies roses

What it is

Not a pepper but a cashew relative, which is why the FDA stopped imports in 1982, saying the berries could cause a severe toxic reaction. France disputed it on behalf of its Réunion growers and the FDA answered that the ban would lift on proof of safety; imports resumed, though no document records when. Almost all the aroma sits in the brittle pink shell, and the seed inside is a small hard pip that gives nothing.

In the kitchen

Crush them between your fingers over the finished plate — a mill shatters the shell to dust and a hot pan kills them outright, the aroma being a volatile resin that goes at the first real heat. Anyone allergic to cashew or pistachio should leave them alone.

Goes with

Smoked salmon Scallop Strawberry Foie gras White chocolate Goat cheese

Something wrong here, or missing? Tell us