The King of Spices

Black PepperKali Mirch

Bold, aromatic and fiery, from the Malabar coast and the hills of Idukki and Wayanad in Kerala.

A farmer's hands holding freshly picked green and red peppercorns beside the vine

1498The year black pepper drew Vasco da Gama to Calicut.

A little history

Few spices have changed the world like this one. Roman ships sailed to the Malabar coast to buy it, and Arab traders carried it west for centuries. Pepper was once so valuable it was called “black gold” and used as currency.

Born in the Western Ghats

Black pepper was born in the Western Ghats, and it still grows here as a vine climbing the shade trees of small farms. Kerala’s pepper, known in the trade as Malabar pepper, is prized for its bold, aromatic bite and carries a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Loved in
  • Steaks and roasts
  • Cacio e pepe
  • Peppercorn sauces
  • Rasam and curries
Black pepper vines climbing shade trees in KeralaWhole black peppercorns

Graded like gold

  1. Graded by berry size, with bold grades such as Tellicherry (TGEB) on request
  2. Dense, well-dried berries with a deep, even colour and strong aroma
  3. Machine-cleaned, with very low light berries, pinheads and foreign matter
  4. Lab-tested for purity and contaminants before shipping
Where we source it
Kerala (Malabar coast, Idukki, Wayanad).
How we supply it
Whole peppercorns or ground, in 10, 25 and 50 lb bulk bags.
Samples
Ask for a black pepper sample 

Health and traditional use

Its heat comes from piperine, studied for its antioxidant properties and for helping the body absorb nutrients such as curcumin from turmeric. In Ayurveda, pepper is one of the three spices of trikatu, a traditional blend used to support digestion.

This information describes traditional use and general research and is not medical advice. Our spices are sold as food ingredients and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Importing black pepper from India: quick answers

What grades of black pepper can I buy in bulk from India?

Forms: whole pepper, ground. Grades: Malabar and Tellicherry, to your spec. We agree the grade and specification with you in writing before you order.

Where is your black pepper sourced?

From Kerala (Malabar coast, Idukki, Wayanad). We buy directly in India’s main growing regions and trading hubs for black pepper.

How is black pepper tested before it ships to the US?

Every lot is tested by an independent third-party laboratory in India against the specification agreed with you, and comes with a certificate of analysis (COA). Depending on your requirements, testing can cover Salmonella, aflatoxin, pesticide residues and heavy metals. You see the results before shipment.

How is black pepper packed and shipped?

Whole peppercorns or ground, in 10, 25 and 50 lb bulk bags. We ship mixed containers or full loads, with the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate and the lab report for the lot.

Can I get a black pepper sample before ordering?

Yes. Tell us the grade and how you’ll use it, and we’ll confirm what we can send and how long it will take, before you commit.

Is there a minimum order for black pepper?

Minimum quantities depend on the grade and pack size, and we confirm them in your quotation. Mixed containers and sample lots are welcome.