Fresh pepper - from the field to the plate
Everything about harvesting and storage
Fresh pepper is a real treat for the palate. But when and how is it harvested? And how can its quality be maintained over a longer period of time? This article provides information on the optimal handling of pepper - from harvesting to storage.
When is pepper harvested?
The time of harvesting pepper varies depending on the growing region: in Cambodia and parts of India and Sumatra, the pepper berries are typically picked from March to May. In India, the harvest begins in February. In Sumatra, long pepper can even be harvested up to twice a year.
Despite these differences, all pepper varieties have one thing in common: they are harvested exclusively by hand in order to treat the delicate berries gently. The harvested fruits are collected in baskets and then dried in the sun.
After drying, the peppercorns are carefully sorted - also by hand using sieves. Only the best, whole grains are then packaged.
Storage of fresh pepper
The delicate aroma and intense taste of fresh pepper are extremely volatile. Proper storage is therefore very important in order to preserve these qualities over the long term. Protection from light and dust is crucial. Violet glass has proven to be particularly suitable here - based on ancient Egyptian findings.
Other packaging such as transparent glass or plastic offers less effective protection. Choosing whole peppercorns instead of ground pepper also helps keep the pepper fresher for longer. The complex aroma is retained for a much longer period of time.
Conclusion
Careful manual work during harvesting and processing as well as light-protected storage in violet glass - these are the keys to optimally preserving and enjoying the unique taste of fresh pepper.
