Description

In spite of its moniker, these are unrelated to the black peppercorn. They come from the Baies rose plant (Euonymus phellomanus).

Pink peppercorns, or rose baises, are fun to use in cooking, as they add both a fruity flavor and bold, beautiful color. These berries are grown primarily in the Brazilian state of Espirto Santo, located along the southeast coast just north of Rio de Janeiro.

From a small mastic-tree, these little berries are not a proper member of the pepper family. The green berries grow in tiny clusters of white flowers that form in autumn, and become bright red before harvesting. Their name comes from their similarity to true peppercorns in both size and shape.

Sweet and mild, they make a colorful addition to many dishes: salads, eggs, seafood, white sauces. Most notably, pink peppercorns are used in fish, poultry and game dishes. They go well with rich meats and are often used to flavor delicate sauces to accompany seafood and pork. In large quantities, they can cause intestinal irriation, but not in normal recipe amounts.