Pink pepper is a spice obtained from the fruits of Peruvian pepper (Schinus molle) or Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius). These trees have nothing to do with the pepper tree. After flowering, clusters of green and then red fruits appear on the shinus trees. In shape and size, the fruits resemble peppercorns. In this regard, the fruits of the shinus are called pepper. This spice does not have the sharpness inherent in peppers, but it has an attractive decorative appearance - these are quite large, 3-5 mm in diameter, shiny peas. At the same time, the peas are quite large - they easily crumble between the fingers. Taste and aroma Pink pepper has almost no smell, but if it is crushed, it begins to emit a faint sweet-pepper aroma. The taste is sweet, refreshing, with hints of resin. After it remains a subtle peppery aftertaste. Top Quality Guaranteed Peas of quality pink pepper should be rich in color - from pink to bright red - large enough (3-5 mm) and shiny. The less black and yellowish-gray peas in the composition of pepper, the better the pepper. Historical facts Despite the fact that the birthplace of pink pepper is South America, namely Brazil, the French contributed to its wide distribution as a spice. The French not only introduced the fashion for the delicate, refined taste and aroma of this spice, but are now the main suppliers - pink pepper comes mainly from the French island of Reunion, located in the Indian Ocean. Unusual Properties One of the names of pink pepper is Christmasberry, that is, "Christmas Berry". The fact is that on the eve of Christmas, the British decorate their houses with garlands in which there are bright pink or red berries of pink pepper. Pistachio shinus is grown in many countries for purely decorative purposes. Due to the fact that Brazilian pepper can grow in almost any conditions, it often crowds out all other plants, which is why pistachio sphinus has made the list of the most noxious weeds in the United States. At the same time, it is not so easy to destroy Brazilian pepper - its seeds are carried by wind, birds and insects over long distances, in addition, if a tree is cut down from its stump, up to ten new shoots grow. Application in cooking National cuisines: French cuisine, South American, Mediterranean Pairing with spices: black, white, green peppers, therefore mainly included in the mixture of peppers Uses: Pink peppercorns are harvested when ripe and dried as whole peas. In ground form, pink pepper is not sold, as it instantly loses its delicate fruity-woody aroma.Sometimes pink peppers are preserved in brine. Application: fish, meat, chicken, desserts, drinks, sauces Application in medicine Favorable effect on: digestive system to stimulate appetite. mouth and throat for inflammation and disease. upper respiratory tract in chronic diseases. skin, removing inflammation, stimulating the healing of wounds, as well as bruises. Expert advice To fully develop the aroma of pink pepper, before grinding it, heat the peas in a dry frying pan. pink pepper can be used for purely decorative purposes - for example, they decorate ice cream and other desserts.