Black Pepper And Red Pepper
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What it is
Black pepper comes from the dried berries of the Piper nigrum vine, native to India. Red pepper is a general term for ground dried fruits of plants in the Capsicum genus, which includes chili peppers. Both are dried and ground for use as spices.
Why it's used
These spices are primarily used to add flavor and heat to foods. They are found in a wide variety of savory dishes, including sauces, marinades, seasoning blends, and processed meats.
Health notes
Black pepper and red pepper are widely consumed and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as spices. They contain various compounds, such as piperine in black pepper and capsaicin in red pepper, which may have antioxidant properties. JECFA has evaluated piperine and capsaicinoid mixtures. While generally considered safe in typical dietary amounts, excessive consumption of very hot peppers can cause digestive upset in some individuals.
Allergen info
Not a major allergen.