Where can I buy whole peppercorns with a strong flavor?
August 6, 2021 3:56 PM Subscribe
Several years ago, by chance, I bought a few ounces of whole black peppercorns from the bulk section of the local food co-op. I used them in a pepper grinder. These peppercorns had an unusually strong flavor, which I liked. Where can I get more like this? I'm in the US.
I recently refilled my pepper grinder with McCormick-brand black peppercorns that I bought at the local supermarket. They are severely lacking in flavor. I want to replace them with something that actually has some flavor.
Incidentally, I tried Tellicherry pepper once, and I really didn't like it. What I'm seeking is something that's just like ordinary, run-of-the-mill black pepper, but with a stronger-than-average flavor.
I recently refilled my pepper grinder with McCormick-brand black peppercorns that I bought at the local supermarket. They are severely lacking in flavor. I want to replace them with something that actually has some flavor.
Incidentally, I tried Tellicherry pepper once, and I really didn't like it. What I'm seeking is something that's just like ordinary, run-of-the-mill black pepper, but with a stronger-than-average flavor.
Diaspora Aranya pepper is excellent. All their spices are. They are so much more flavorful, it's been a revelation to use them. Plus, you're supporting great things (pay equity for farmers, for one) by buying from them.
posted by quince at 4:19 PM on August 6, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by quince at 4:19 PM on August 6, 2021 [2 favorites]
I would guess that you got some fresh ones! And you're most likely to find them where you got them first time around: somewhere that sells bulk spices and has high turnover.
Perhaps there is an Indian specialty supermarket near you? They are usually a good bet for fresh spices in bulk.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 5:06 PM on August 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
Perhaps there is an Indian specialty supermarket near you? They are usually a good bet for fresh spices in bulk.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 5:06 PM on August 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
I get my peppercorns from the Mexican spice section of the market. A much better place for spices if your other option is McCormick.
posted by zengargoyle at 5:08 PM on August 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by zengargoyle at 5:08 PM on August 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
Tellicherry peppercorns are just the largest grade of Indian black peppercorns, so if you don't like those maybe you should try some from a different place.
Kalustyan's is my go-to for spices. They have a bunch of different kinds; I linked the Indonesian ones. (I get tellicherry peppercorns so I'm not going to tell you which ones to buy!)
posted by goingonit at 6:28 PM on August 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
Kalustyan's is my go-to for spices. They have a bunch of different kinds; I linked the Indonesian ones. (I get tellicherry peppercorns so I'm not going to tell you which ones to buy!)
posted by goingonit at 6:28 PM on August 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
I think that you'd enjoy Kampot Red Peppercorn (I've never done business with the linked store so this is not an endorsement of the website, just the product). The flavor is brighter, more "zingier" than typical black peppercorn.
posted by mezzanayne at 11:38 PM on August 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by mezzanayne at 11:38 PM on August 6, 2021 [1 favorite]
Burlap and Barrel has incredible whole peppercorns.
posted by MeadowlarkMaude at 12:42 AM on August 7, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by MeadowlarkMaude at 12:42 AM on August 7, 2021 [2 favorites]
2nding kalustyans. i love tasmanian peppercorns
posted by wowenthusiast at 3:37 AM on August 7, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by wowenthusiast at 3:37 AM on August 7, 2021 [1 favorite]
Seconding Burlap and Barrel. I ordered all four of their peppercorn varieties, they come in nice little grinders. Not a huge difference in flavor profiles but they're all amazing compared to typical pepper.
posted by mmoncur at 5:58 AM on August 7, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by mmoncur at 5:58 AM on August 7, 2021 [1 favorite]
As far as I know, the most flavorful pepper available anywhere is Penzey's Extra Bold Tellicherry. The only downside (besides the cost) is that they're pretty big and may not fit your grinder.
posted by wnissen at 9:39 AM on August 7, 2021
posted by wnissen at 9:39 AM on August 7, 2021
Seconding Penzey's.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 2:28 PM on August 7, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 2:28 PM on August 7, 2021 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for all the tips. I ordered from Burlap and Barrel. I'll post an update after I receive the pepper.
posted by akk2014 at 7:50 AM on August 9, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by akk2014 at 7:50 AM on August 9, 2021 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: I read the descriptions of all the various peppercorns that are available through Burlap and Barrel, and I ended up ordering the Zanzibar variety. While this product is certainly better / more flavorful than the supermarket-bought peppercorns I had been using earlier, it still didn't exactly knock my socks off. I sent Burlap and Barrel an email message, and they recommended purple peppercorns, though they won't be in stock for a few weeks. I'll probably try those next.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
posted by akk2014 at 9:47 AM on August 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
Thanks for all the suggestions.
posted by akk2014 at 9:47 AM on August 15, 2021 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by clew at 4:02 PM on August 6, 2021 [7 favorites]