Difference in Type, Quality, Location, SHU scale between Piper Longum and Black Pepper (2024)

Piper longum and black pepper are two different plants that are used as spices in many cuisines. Although they have some similarities, there are also some notable differences between them.

Origin and Cultivation: Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, grown for its fruit, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning. It is native to South Asia, specifically in the Kerala region of India. It is cultivated in other countries as well, such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brazil.Piper longum, also known as long pepper, is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, native to India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It is cultivated in some other countries as well, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Madagascar.

Appearance and Flavor: Black pepper has a pungent, spicy flavor and is used in many savory dishes. The fruit of black pepper is a small, round, berry-like drupe that turns from green to red as it ripens. The dried fruit is then ground into a powder or used whole.

Piper longum has a similar flavor to black pepper, but it is more complex and has a slightly sweet taste with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The fruit of Piper longum is a long, slender, cylindrical shape, which is why it is sometimes called "long pepper." The dried fruit is also ground into a powder or used whole.

Scoville Heat Units (SHU): The Scoville scale is a measurement of the pungency (spicy heat) of chili peppers and other spicy foods. Black pepper has a relatively low rating on the Scoville scale, ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 SHU. On the other hand, Piper longum has a higher rating on the Scoville scale, ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 SHU.

Quality Variation: The quality of black pepper is primarily determined by the source of the fruit, the method of cultivation, and the processing method. The best quality black pepper is usually sourced from India, specifically from the Malabar coast, and it is harvested at the peak of ripeness, dried, and stored carefully to retain its flavor.The quality of Piper longum is also determined by the source of the fruit, the method of cultivation, and the processing method.

The best quality Piper longum is usually sourced from Nepal or India, and it is harvested at the peak of ripeness, dried, and stored carefully to retain its flavor.

While both black pepper and Piper longum are used as spices, they have some differences in origin, appearance, flavor, SHU scale, and quality variation. Black pepper has a milder flavor and a lower rating on the Scoville scale, while Piper longum has a more complex flavor and a higher rating on the Scoville scale. The quality of both spices is primarily determined by the source of the fruit, the method of cultivation, and the processing method. Africa countries also has an abundance of the same and establishing a FBO in this respective place are more prospective and ROI is visible.