Tellicherry Peppercorns vs. Black Peppercorns

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Black pepper is known to be the world’s second most commonly used spice, and the first is probably salt. It contains a strong, pungent taste that enhances every dish it is seasoned on. This staple spice has many categories or types, but many people have no idea about that.

The two of the main types are black peppercorn and Tellicherry peppercorn. The main question that arises is how these two can be differentiated? Tellicherry peppercorn and black peppercorn are different based on their appearance, size, flavor, and usage.

The main difference between Tellicherry peppercorn vs black peppercorn includes as the size of black peppercorn is smaller (2- 3mm) compared to that of Tellicherry (4- 5 mm). The taste of black pepper is milder, but the tellicherry peppercorn taste is stronger and more intense.

We have mentioned in detail the health benefits, nutritional facts and usage of tellicherry peppercorn and black peppercorn below.

Table of Contents

Tellicherry Peppercorns

Tellicherry peppercorn belongs to the family of Piperaceae (plant family) and is cultivated in tropical regions worldwide. It belongs to the family of spices and is similar in appearance and taste to black pepper. Tellicherry has a strong flavor and aroma, which will be discussed later.

Size

The Tellicherry peppercorn and the black peppercorn mainly differ based on their size. The tellicherry peppercorn is larger in size, mainly around 4 – 5 mm. the larger size makes them more aromatic, less spicy, yet more flavorful.

Due to its larger size and enhanced taste, the tellicherry peppercorn is utilized commonly and is quite pricy. These are grown in tropical areas like Kerala or India and are supplied worldwide due to their superior taste and high demand.

It is also important for you to know that the tellicherry grown in Kerela is more commonly consumed as the land or soil is favorable and environmentally friendly: hence it provides the optimum condition for tellicherry to grow.

Usage

If we dig deep into the usage and consumption of the tellicherry peppercorn, you will be surprised to know that it is used as a secret ingredient in some cuisines. The tellicherry can be added in broth, stew, savory dishes etc., to enhance the taste and add a spicy taste to the dish.

Some chefs add it while preparing meat or preparing the rice for mandi (a popular dish of the Middle East). The Chinese chef and western cuisine also add Tellicherry as basic ingredients in dishes like steaks to give a strong taste and pleasant aroma.

Nutritional Facts

The Tellicherry is a zero-caloric food item with no nutritional properties but is just used to enhance the taste. For the serving size of 132 grams of Tellicherry peppercorn:

Total Calories 0
Total Fat 0 g
Sodium 0 mg
Carbs 0 g
Protein 0 g

Health Benefits

One of the most important health benefits of Tellicherry is that it has antioxidant properties and fights against cell damage. It contains a compound named piperine which acts as an antioxidant in the body and is proven beneficial for health in the long run.

The Tellicherry peppercorn also contains anti-inflammatory properties and prevents chronic inflammations such as arthritis, cancer and heart diseases. The studies have shown that it is good for treating people who have swallowing joints and shows biomarkers for inflammation.

Peperine compound, which is present in Tellicherry peppercorn, improves brain functioning and is beneficial in conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s syndromes. It improves memory and decreases clump formation in the brain, which leads to brain disorders.

As Tellicherry has a spicy taste and has no sugar content, it also helps improve sugar levels of the body. Some case studies have shown that it improves insulin sensitivity and levels the glucose level in the blood. It is good for treating cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases and atherosclerosis.

Black Peppercorns

Back peppercorn belongs to the family of Piperaceae and is considered dried fruit used as a spice. It is used daily, and almost every household contains black pepper. It is added to enhance the flavor and taste.

The word black peppercorn originated from the Sanskrit word, Pippali and is entitled Black Gold as it can flavor the foods and act as a preservative, with plenty of health benefits. The black peppercorn is utilized daily.

Size

Black peppercorn is regular shaped, and their size is about 4 to 5 mm. When talking about spice and herbs, the size plays a vital role in determining the flavor of that spice. Similarly, when compared to the Tellicherry peppercorn, the taste or flavor of the black peppercorn is less intense or strong.

Usage

Black pepper is added as a side ingredient which enhances the taste of many dishes like meat, veggies, pasta, soups etc. Black peppercorn is also added in juices like margaritas and lemonades to enhance the taste. Talking about the shelf life of black pepper, which is exactly up to two to three years.

Nutritional Facts

One teaspoon of black peppercorn contains:

Calories 6 Kcal
Protein 0 grams
Fat 0 grams
Carbohydrates 1 gram
Fiber 1 gram
Sugar 0 gram
Cholesterol 0 milligrams
Sodium 0 milligrams

Health Benefits

If we talk about black peppercorn, we can say that it is not just an ordinary flavor enhancer but has plenty of health benefits. It contains an alkaloid substance named piperine, which is very healthy and gives a spicy taste. Piperine act as an antioxidant and lowers the risk of chronic diseases.

It is good for treating cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases and atherosclerosis. Piperine is readily bioavailable, and it promotes digestion and boosts intestine health. Black pepper helps stimulate the HCL present in the stomach, which helps better digestion.

Black peppercorn is better for increasing the immune system’s efficiency and helps avoid illness. It boasts up the working and functioning of the WBC’s and helps fight the invasion of viruses and bacteria. Black peppercorn contains vitamin C, K, E and A.

So, What’s The Difference Between Tellicherry Peppercorns and Black Peppercorns?

Summering the article mentioned above into key points and mentioning the basic differences between Tellicherry vs black peppercorn:

The size of black peppercorns is smaller (2- 3mm) than that of Tellicherry (4- 5 mm).
The taste of black pepper is milder, but tellichery peppercorn is stronger and more intense.
The freshness of black peppercorn is mild as it is present in dried or grounded form, but the freshness of Tellicherry peppercorn is bright, subtle and sweet.
The black peppercorn is spicier in comparison to the Tellicherry peppercorn.
Tellicherry peppercorn is expensive compared to a black peppercorn, which is very economical and commonly used in every household.