IDUKKI PEPPER
Idukki pepper, also known as ‘Black Gold’, this spice is a climbing perennial shrub and usually grows in hot, moist regions of Southern India. Cultivated in virgin soils rich in humus, the fruit takes 6 months to mature and is harvested in November and continues until March. Black pepper harvesting is a labor-intensive process carried out by hand-picking method.
Idukki pepper is known for its intense fragrance and flavor profile. It has a sharp yet slightly sweet and penetrating aroma with a characteristic woody and piney flavor that is hot and biting to taste. This single-seeded drupe or berry is globular in shape with a wrinkly surface and has a dark brown to black color shade.
HEALTH BENEFITS
1) ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES:
The prime component of Pepper is Piperine which effectively fights inflammation. It is known to reduce joint swelling and blood markers of inflammation. It also helps suppress inflammation in the airways caused by Asthma and seasonal allergies.
2) SKIN HEALTH:
This ‘king of spices’ can prevent skin pigmentation. Pigmentation makes your skin appear patchy and white. Black pepper protects skin and helps maintain the skin's original color. It also prevents premature aging and dark spots.
3) ANTI-DEPRESSANT:
Pepper is known to evoke feelings of energy and excitement. Pepper has mood-inducing chemicals that soothes and calms the mind and uplifts the mood.
4) BRAIN HEALTH:
Piperine, a chemical found in black pepper improves brain function. It prevents/ slows progression of neuro-degenerative brain conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by decreasing the formation of Amyloid plaques; the dense clumps damaging protein fragments in brain.
5) IMMUNITY BOOSTER:
Pepper can give your immune system a boost, helping fight off infections and diseases. Piperine, present in pepper is shown to enhance the immune system by increasing antioxidant activity, cytokine production, and white blood cell count.