Long Pepper (Piper longum)

Long Pepper: The Ancient Spice with Bold Flavor and Medicinal Power Common Names: Long Pepper, Indian Long Pepper, PippaliFamily: PiperaceaeOrigin: South Asia (India, Indonesia) Long Pepper (Piper longum) is a unique and ancient spice with a history that dates back over 3,000 years. Native to South Asia, Long Pepper was once prized more highly than black pepper for its intense heat and complex flavor, which combines earthy, spicy, and sweet notes. This pepper has been used both as a culinary spice and a medicinal plant in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, where it is known for its digestive, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. Distinctive Features, Uses, and Medicinal Value Fruits: Long Pepper produces small, cylindrical fruits that resemble tiny catkins. These fruits are about 1-2 inches long and covered with tiny seeds. When dried, the fruits have a spicy, pungent flavor that is hotter and more complex than black pepper, with hints of sweetness and earthiness