Pink peppercorns grow as berries on a distinctive evergreen tree.
Pink peppercorns, often recognized for their vibrant color and slightly sweet, peppery flavor, are not true peppercorns like black, white, or green pepper (which come from the Piper nigrum vine). Instead, they are the berries of a specific type of tree.
The Pink Peppercorn Tree
The tree that produces these berries is quite notable in appearance.
- Type: It is a handsome evergreen tree.
- Size: It can grow quite tall, reaching heights of up to 12 metres.
- Shape: It features a wide canopy and a characteristic weeping form.
- Branches: The tree develops long branches.
- Fruit: When the tree is in fruit, it produces red-pink berries, which are the pink peppercorns. These berries make the tree a beautiful garden feature.
Essentially, pink peppercorns develop directly from the flowers of this tree, maturing into the small, round berries harvested for culinary use. They grow clustered along the tree's long, weeping branches, creating a visually striking display, particularly when ripe.
Key Characteristics Summary
Here's a quick look at how the tree grows:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 12 metres |
| Form | Evergreen, wide canopy, weeping |
| Branches | Long |
| Fruit (Pink Peppercorns) | Red-pink berries on branches |
Unlike vine-grown peppers, these berries grow on a tall, upright tree, highlighting the difference in their botanical origin. The tree's size and weeping branches are key aspects of how the pink peppercorns are presented as they mature.
