Pepper
 
Known as King of Spices, Pepper is indigenous to India and is one of the oldest and best-known spices in the world.

India has always reigned supreme in its production and export. The exotic and most sought-after Indian pepper has made a profound influence on the European economy of the Middle Ages.

Indian pepper is grown in the monsoon forests along the Malabar coast in South India. The celebrated trade varieties of Indian black pepper are the Malabar Garbled and the Tellichery Extra Bold. Even green pepper in several processed forms - frozen, dehydrated, freeze-dried and packed in brine are available.

Pepper is an important spice in the Indian classic garam masala. It is used as flavour ingredient in most major food products including non alcoholic beverages, candies, baked foods, meat and meat products, cheese, condiments and relishes. Medicinally, it is used in aromatherapy, massages and to treat sports injuries.

Its steam inhalation combined with eucalyptus is good for treatments of colds and flu. Its fruits are acrid, bitter, carminative, aphrodisiac, diuretic, digestive and stimulant and are useful for arthritis, asthma, fever, cough, dysentery, dyspepsia and flatulence. Peppers boiled in water along with basil leaves, are said to relieve chest congestions and asthmatic condition.