Long Peppers - Piper Longum

Long Peppers, Piper longum, along with Piper nigrum, were the only source of hot spices available in Europe until the 16th century. Long Peppers were the Western world’s only source of pepper up until the late 12th century.

Long Peppers are rarely used now outside of S.E.Asia. After the discovery of Chili peppers, Long Peppers became unwanted. The word ‘Pepper’ comes from the Sanskrit word for Long Pepper, “pippali”. Long Peppers at one time could be used as valuable ‘currency”. When Attila the Hun invaded Rome, he demanded a ransom of Long Peppers.

Piper longum is a flowering vine that is cultivated for its fruit which is normally dried and used as a seasoning spice and in pickling. Piper longum can produce black, white and green pepper that has a similar but hotter taste than ordinary pepper, Piper nigrum. Long Peppers are also used in traditional medicine to stimulate the digestion and to treat stomachache and diarrhea. The fresh fruits should be boiled in water with lemon juice and salt for about 15 minutes and 1/3rd of a glass of the infusion should be drunk 3 times daily after meals.