Black peppercorns are the dried mature berries of piper nigrum. Known as the “King of Spices”, it is the most widely used spice in the world – probably because there are few dishes that won’t benefit from a few grindings of black pepper. Interestingly, peppercorns (black, white and green) provided all of the heat for Thai and other spicy Asian cuisines – until the Portuguese and Spanish arrived with chilis from the New World. Use early in recipes for depth of flavour, and again, just before serving, for fragrance and intensity.