Pink pepper is a spice made from the fruit of Shinus molle, a tree from Latin America. By the diuretic and stomachic action, it is useful against toothache and menstrual pain . Let's find out better
Description of the plant
Pink pepper is really not really pepper .
In fact, unlike black, white and green pepper, which are the (differently processed) fruits of Piper nigrum, pink pepper is the fruit of an evergreen tree called Shinus molle, a native of Latin America.
The fruit that comes from the Shinus molle has the characteristic pink color and is very similar in shape to a pepper berry, for this reason it is commonly called pink pepper or false pepper although it has a completely different taste and is much more delicate and sweet.
Properties and benefits of pink pepper
Pink pepper favors digestion as it is stomachic, tonic and stimulating .
Because of its antiseptic power it has been used by folk medicine to treat wounds and infections.
It also has diuretic properties and seems effective in treating toothache, rheumatism and menstrual pain.
Calories and nutritional values of pink pepper
3 pink pepper berries contain only 1 kcal.
Furthermore these fruits also contain resins, tannin, glucose and rubber-resins which have a purgative and anti-gout action.
Also find out what diuretic teas are
Use in the kitchen
Pink pepper is rather delicate and its aroma is sweet and spicy with notes of lemon and strawberry.
Perfect for flavoring fish dishes, but above all swordfish, tuna or salmon carpaccio.
It is an excellent component of yogurt, butter, mascarpone or fruit based sauces.
Its rich and brilliant color makes this pepper an excellent spice that gives elegance and vivacity to dishes, perfect for preparing original risottos or particular desserts.
Pink pepper is, along with black, white and green pepper, one of the spices that make up the famous Creole blend .
In Ecuador, pink pepper grains are very popular as a condiment for dishes but also for flavoring liqueurs and vinegar, in Chile they aromatise wine, while in Mexico it is used in the preparation of pulque, a very ancient alcoholic beverage considered sacred.
Prepare a pink pepper sauce to garnish our dishes in an original way while flavoring them with the sweet fragrance of this spice is very simple:
Ingredients
- 50g of butter
- 4 teaspoons of crushed pink pepper
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 2 finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons of fresh cream
Melt the butter in a saucepan and add pepper, chilli and dried tomatoes. Cook a couple of minutes over low heat, stirring constantly and finally add the cream.
Curiosity about pink pepper
In Mexico it is called Anacahuita, while in the Andes plateau it is known as Quechua of Gualeguay .
By Stefania Puma
