Pepper is a naturally occurring plant with over 50,000 species spread across the world. You’ll find it on chicken salad, wraps, and sandwiches and it is a go-to in many cuisines.
Want to know if pepper is a spice? You’re in the right place.
This guide explains the various available forms of pepper–fresh, dried, or ground and whether or not it’s a spice, herb, or vegetable.
Read on to find out.
Is pepper spice or seasoning?
Yes, it is a spice. Although pepper is not a seasoning, you can you it to season your beef, chicken, sauces, or soups before, during, or after cooking.
For instance, when dry or ground pepper are spices used to flavor meals.
Is pepper spice or fruit?
Pepper is a fruit and spice. It comes from the pepper plant, which is a member of the nightshade family. The plant produces berries that are dried and used as a spice.
Black pepper, white pepper, and green pepper are all gotten from the same plant, but they differ in taste and appearance because of how they are processed.
Is pepper a herb?
No, but the pepper leaf is a herb. This is because a herb is a plant whose leaves are added while cooking or reserved for making medicine. Pepper is a perennial herb or shrub and you can cook it with green pepper leaves.
Is crushed red pepper a spice?
Yes, crushed red pepper is a spice. It is made from dried red chili peppers that have been crushed into small pieces. It has a fiery, pungent flavor that adds heat and zest to many dishes.
Also, you’ll often find it in the spice aisle of most supermarkets. And it is a common spice in American-style dishes like pizza and buffalo chicken wings.
Is dried ground pepper a spice?
Yes, it is. Ground pepper adds spice to various dishes such as soups, stews, sauces, and even desserts. It is also a popular ingredient in many spice blends, such as curry powder and chili powder.
In addition to being a spice, you can use ground pepper to season meats before or during the cooking process.
Is lemon pepper a spice?
No, it’s not. Instead, it is a seasoning blend that contains salt, black pepper, and lemon zest or dried lemon powder.
Some brands may also contain onion, garlic, or other spices. You can use lemon pepper to flavor chicken, fish, and vegetables. You can also add it as a dry rub for grilling or roasting.
Is white pepper a spice?
Yes, white pepper is a spice. It comes from the dried berries of the pepper plant. The berries are harvested when they are ripe and then dried in the sun or an oven.
Afterward, the berries are cracked open, and the inner seed is removed and ground to powder. White pepper has a sharp, pungent flavor that is perfect for adding a little heat to dishes.
If you want to add a bit of spice to your cooking, the white pepper is a great choice. It is useful when making a curry or a cake.
Is cayenne pepper a spice or herb?
Cayenne pepper is a spice. It comes from the dried, ground fruit of Capsicum annum, a type of chili pepper.
And it is a common spice in Latin American, Asian, and Indian cuisine. The pepper spice can add a spicy kick to dishes; it serves as a natural remedy for several ailments.
What foods require pepper spice?
Some foods that might require pepper spice are:
- Steaks rubbed with spices
- Pepper with roasted chicken
- Simple sides like mashed potatoes or green beans with pepper spice.
If a recipe calls for it, then it’s likely that adding pepper will enhance the flavor of the dish. Otherwise, feel free to season to taste.
Types of pepper
Peppers are either sweet or hot. Sweet peppers, like bell peppers, are enjoyed raw or cooked and have a no-heat flavor. Hot peppers, on the other hand, pack a serious punch of heat and are often used in spicy dishes.
Here’s a breakdown of some popular pepper varieties:
Black pepper
Black pepper is unripe green berries dried and ground into a powder. This spice has a sharp, biting flavor that adds flavor to just about any dish. And it is the most common type of pepper.
Red pepper
Red pepper, also known as cayenne pepper, is made from dried red chili peppers, and it packs a lot of heat. People often use it in spicy dishes. And it can add plenty of color to a meal.
White pepper
White pepper is gotten from the ripened berries of the Piper nigrum plant. The berries are soaked in water until they soften, then the outer layer is removed to reveal the white seed inside.
It has a milder flavor than black pepper spice and is often used in light-colored dishes or as a garnish.
Green pepper
They are simply unripe red peppers. They have a sharp, grassy flavor and are often used in salads or as a garnish for meals.
Chili pepper
Chili is the most common type of hot pepper. These peppers come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, but all chili peppers have one thing in common: they pack a high amount of heat.
Chili peppers are present in many different cuisines, but they are especially popular in Mexican and Indian cuisines.
Bell pepper
Bell peppers are a type of sweet pepper. They come in a variety of colors, including green, red, yellow, and orange. Bell peppers have a mild, sweet flavor and you can enjoy them raw or cooked.
They are sweet and crunchy, making them a great addition to salads and stir-fries.
Jalapeño pepper
Jalapeño peppers are a type of chili pepper. They are typically green when they are young but turn red as they mature. These peppers have moderate heat and are often used in Mexican and Southwestern dishes.
Serrano pepper
Serrano peppers are a type of chili pepper spice. They are similar in appearance to jalapeño peppers, but smaller and pack more heat. Serrano peppers are often present in salsas and other spicy dishes.
Habanero pepper
Habanero pepper is one of the hottest types of chili pepper spice. It’s 100 hotter than a jalapeno and is small, orange, and extremely spicy. They are often present in hot sauces or as a garnish for spicy dishes.
FAQs
Are pepper and salt a seasoning?
Salt is a seasoning, but pepper is a spice. Salt enhances the flavor of a dish, while pepper adds flavor to meals.
Is white pepper spicier than black pepper?
No, it’s not. Black pepper contains more spice and can pack lots of heat into your meals.
Is white pepper healthier than black pepper?
Yes, it is. White pepper contains more antioxidants, iron, fiber, and manganese.
How spicy is hot lemon pepper?
Lemon pepper has 30,000 Scoville units, which fall between the medium-hot peppers. Its sauce is native to Ecuador.
Conclusion
Yes, pepper is a spice. You can use it as a seasoning, and its leaves are also edible.
You can also use pepper leaves as a herb because it is rich in antioxidants and can prevent cell damage. With a wide range of pepper spices available, you can easily choose the intensity of heat you want your dishes to have.
More so, sweet pepper gives a mild level of heat to your meals unlike hot pepper, so choose your pepper carefully.
You can use this list of spicy peppers and their SHU rating to help you choose the most suitable peppers.
Thank you for reading.
