Black Pepper

A question from a reader;

So, I've encountered an interesting trend here: people put pepper (common table variety) on their pizza- like, a solid layer. We're all getting the message that too much salt is BAD, and it's all right for a little seasoning, but don't clump it on to every dish. What about salt's less popular table top condiment?

Black Pepper may seem to be less popular then its best known companion salt but if you noticed in so many recipes they are called for as a team. Together they bring out the best in a dish. The fact is that black pepper has many healthy benefits and a rich history. First of all Black Pepper contains some trace mineral and fiber, always a plus. But the number one health benefit is to digestion; it stimulates the taste buds and the production of digestive acids and enzymes to promptly digest your food. When food foods take a long time to digest you may experience indigestion, gas, constipation or other more complex digestive track difficulties. Next black pepper is also a diuretic, promoting urination and sweating to cleanse waste and toxins from our body. It is also believed that black pepper helps make the nutrients from other foods that you eat more available for absorption and aids in the break down fat cells. There is even research being done on the effects of black pepper on brain chemical called endorphins and its roll as an anti-depressant. As always there is the possibility of too much of a good thing. The over use of black pepper can cause the over production of digestive acids that can lead to damage of the digestive track lining and the loss of potassium.

As for its history black pepper, native to India, was once used as currency and as sacred offerings. Black pepper was used to help prevent foods from spoiling while adding flavor to bland meals in a time when adequate foods storage was not yet available. In the middle ages the wealth of a man could be measured by his accumulation of pepper. Explorations of new lands were implemented as well as cities built to accommodate its trade.

So use your black pepper “to taste” not to completely cover.

I love hearing your questions, keep them coming!