Black Pepper Used For Coating

Black pepper is the dried berry of the Piper nigrum vine, native to South Asia. It is typically harvested when unripe and then dried, causing the skin to darken and wrinkle. It is ground into a powder or used whole as a spice.

Black pepper is primarily used as a spice and flavoring agent in a wide variety of foods, from savory dishes to baked goods. Manufacturers use it to add a pungent, slightly spicy flavor and aroma. It is commonly found in processed meats, sauces, soups, and spice blends.

Black pepper is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. It contains piperine, which is being studied for potential health effects, though research is ongoing and not conclusive. JECFA has evaluated black pepper and found no safety concerns at typical consumption levels. No specific upper intake limits have been set by regulatory bodies for typical dietary intake.