Black pepper: It hurts so good!
What gives black pepper its heat? How did this jungle vine become a part of the human diet? I explore the history and chemistry of the peppercorn and how it interacts with pain receptors.
This unassuming spice graces dining tables in homes and restaurants worldwide. Now accessible to all, it was once only available to the wealthiest families. Today, we dust the tiny specks of its ground fruit onto our meats and vegetables as a part of the pre-meal ritual. It adds a bit of heat, that extra kick to our food that takes a meal from simply ta…
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