Forktionary

Green Peppercorn

Piper nigrum (unripe fruit) Spice

Green Peppercorn Spice

At a Glance

  • Category Spice

The Forktionary Angle

"The versatile, milder cousin of black pepper, celebrated for its unique aroma and vibrant bite in gourmet dishes."

Definition

Unripe *Piper nigrum* berries, typically brined or dried, offering a fresh, piquant, and less pungent pepper flavor than black or white.

Culinary Usage Essential in French cuisine, particularly for classic sauces like steak au poivre.
Origin Fact They are the unripe berries of the same plant that produces black, white, and red peppercorns.
Storage Tip Brined green peppercorns, once opened, should be stored in the refrigerator and covered with their brine.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Green Peppercorn are:

Fresh piquant herbal slightly fruity less fiery

Chef’s Secret

Toasting freeze-dried green peppercorns briefly before crushing enhances their aroma and nutty undertones for dry rubs.

Best Substitutes

Black Peppercorn

for heat but less fresh flavor
Ratio 1:1

Pink Peppercorn

for visual and mild spice
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for firm, vibrant green peppercorns, often sold brined in jars or freeze-dried.

Culinary Pairings

Steak cream sauces pâtés duck pork game meats brandy

Recipes Using Green Peppercorn

Beef Tenderloin With Mustard And Peppercorns image 124
Holiday Event Beef Preparation Main Ingredient

Beef Tenderloin With Mustard And Peppercorns

Impress your guests with this fabulous and easy Beef Tenderloin recipe! Perfectly seasoned with a zesty mustard and peppercorn crust, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under an hour. Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, it's the perfect centerpiece for any special occasion or weeknight dinner.

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Asparagus Soup image
Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less Asparagus Course

Asparagus Soup

Indulge in this vibrant and healthy asparagus soup! A lighter take on a classic, this recipe is luxuriously creamy yet lower in fat and packed with fiber. Fresh asparagus shines in this delicious and easy-to-make soup, perfect for a light lunch or a sophisticated starter.

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