Tasting Table wrote about pepper as follows: “This is a staple spice in cuisine, existing in the family for so long that just thinking about spices can make people remember pepper.
Perhaps every time we see a jar of salt, we will see a jar of pepper lying neatly next to it. And although we have access to more and more spices these days, almost any recipe for a savory dish can start with salt and pepper.”
![The world's most important spice was once used as currency, known as black gold: The whole world depends on Vietnam - Photo 1. The world's most important spice was once used as currency, known as black gold: The whole world depends on Vietnam - Photo 1.](https://cafefcdn.com/203337114487263232/2023/3/14/photo-3-1678777653480337821988.jpg)
“Black gold”
Black pepper has been used in Indian cuisine since 2000 BC and quickly became popular throughout Asia and the Middle East. Over time, it spread to Europe and America, creeping into the dinner tables of millions of people around the world.
The Washington Post agrees with the above point of view: “Pepper is everywhere. And its presence often makes people think that we need to add pepper to this dish for no reason at all.”
The Washington Post pointed out that author John O’Connell wrote in the book “The Book of Spice” that: “Pepper today is too popular, used widely and indiscriminately. Meanwhile, black pepper used to be a rare and expensive food. In the Middle Ages, people could rent houses and get married with pepper.” And of course, at such a peak, black pepper was as valuable as gold. So many people even compared it to “gold”. black”.
According to the Encyclopedia of World History, when Rome was captured by the Visigoths around 410 AD, the Romans paid 3,000 pounds of black pepper as ransom, along with 5,000 pounds of gold and 30,000 pounds of silver. .
“The gray powder found in paper packets or pepper grinders in every kitchen may make the above story sound far-fetched. But the “pepper world” deserves attention and esteem because of the outbreak. The explosion in taste that this spice brings,” the Washington Post affirmed.
“King” of all spices
In addition to creating a spicy taste and aroma for dishes, pepper is also considered an oriental medicine with the effect of eliminating colds, treating stomach aches and colds.
Many studies have shown that eating a sufficient amount of pepper will help increase appetite, limit anorexia, stimulate the stomach and promote digestion. Black pepper also has the effect of improving mood and maintaining body shape.
In addition, current weather changes and air pollution have caused flu cases to increase, causing the immune system to work at full capacity. Frequent illness, slow wound healing, and recurring cold symptoms are all signs of a weakened immune system. Although medicine plays an important role in the recovery process, it must be noted that pepper is a spice that enhances immunity quite well.
With many uses for taste and health, pepper deserves to be called the “king” of all spices.
![The world's most important spice was once used as currency, known as black gold: The whole world depends on Vietnam - Photo 2. The world's most important spice was once used as currency, known as black gold: The whole world depends on Vietnam - Photo 2.](https://cafefcdn.com/203337114487263232/2023/3/14/photo-2-1678777651099919237934.jpg)
Depends on Vietnam
![The world's most important spice was once used as currency, known as black gold: The whole world depends on Vietnam - Photo 3. The world's most important spice was once used as currency, known as black gold: The whole world depends on Vietnam - Photo 3.](https://cafefcdn.com/203337114487263232/2023/3/14/photo-1-1678777648585884115918.jpg)
Vietnam is always proud to be the world’s largest pepper producer and exporter.
In 2022, global pepper consumption demand will decrease due to high inflation and policies to combat the Covid-19 epidemic. However, pepper prices in 2022 are higher than in 2021, leading to an increase in import value from many markets.
For the whole year of 2022, Vietnam exports about 220,000 tons of pepper, with a turnover of 963 million USD, accounting for 55% of total pepper production worldwide.
In addition to exporting, Vietnamese businesses also import pepper from other countries such as Brazil, Indonesia… for processing, processing and exporting with higher value. From the beginning of the year to the end of November 2022, Vietnam imported 34,273 tons, an increase of 48.9% over the same period.
Like coffee, pepper can only thrive in hot and humid tropical climates. Tasting Table said that the world relies on countries like Vietnam to nurture their “obsession” with black pepper in every meal.
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