Food - Drink
The Simple Way To Tell If Your Black Pepper Isn't Pure
By MOLLY HARRIS
In recent years, there have been reports of fake black pepper being sold to unsuspecting consumers. Fortunately, there are some tips to help you avoid fake black pepper.
Fake black pepper can be made from a variety of materials, such as papaya seeds, which are often ground up and mixed with real black pepper to stretch supply and increase profits.
Fake black pepper lacks the distinct flavor and aroma of the real thing, and the best way to ensure you’re getting real, quality black pepper is to buy whole peppercorns.
It's more difficult to pass off fake peppercorns when they're whole instead of powdered. If you're still suspicious about peppercorns that look convincing enough, try a smell test.
Real peppercorns will crack easily when crushed or ground, releasing a strong and pungent aroma. Try crushing a few and taking a whiff to see if they smell like real black pepper.