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Black Pepper
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
| Black Pepper | Piper nigrum |
| Country of Origin: India | Natural, Steam Treated |
Black pepper, Piper nigrum is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit, known as a Peppercorn, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning. Black pepper is the world’s most traded spice and is one of the most common spice added to cuisines around the world. Its spiciness is due to the chemical compound piperine, which is a different kind of spicy from the capsaicin characteristic of chili peppers.
Black pepper is produced from the still-green, unripe drupe of the pepper plant which is dried in the sun for several days, during which the pepper skin around the seed shrinks and darkens into a thin, wrinkled black layer. Once dry, the spice is called black Peppercorn.
Black Pepper is one of the Popular Spices and known as “King of Spices”. In India black pepper is mainly grown in Kerala and Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Konkan, Pondicherry & Andaman, and Nicobar Islands.
The peppercorn is actually the fruit of the plant, and depending on when it is harvested, processed, and dried, it can produce black, green, or white peppercorns.
Harvest
Harvesting commences from third year onwards. The harvesting season is from November to March. Harvest is done by hand picking the whole spikes when few berries in the spike start turning red. The berries are separated and dipped in hot water (80°C) for one minute and sun-dried for 7 to 10 days.
Product information
| Ingredients | Single ingredient, 100% Black Pepper |
| Status | Natural, Pesticide residue free |
| Product Processing | Produced and processed according to current Good Manufacturing Practices |
| Fumigation | Not Treated with any Chemical. Naturally treated through EcO2 processing technique |
| Heat Treatment | Steam treated |
| Organoleptic Description | |
| Appearance | Black-Brown-Grey flecky Granules |
| Color | Black |
| Flavor | Warm, Hot-biting, Pungent |
| Odor | Characteristic Hot, Warm, Pungent |
| Physical-Chemical Characteristics1 | |
| Particle size | Whole Peppercorns |
| Moisture | 11% max |
| Total Ash | 7 % max |
| Acid Insoluble Ash (AIA) | 1.5 % max |
| Steam Volatile Oil (VO) | 1 % min |
| Microbiological Characteristics2 | |
| Total Plate Count – TPC (max) | < 50,000 cfu/g |
| Salmonella | Absent in 2×375 g |
| Yeast and Mould – Y&M (max) | < 500 cfu/g |
| Coliforms (max) | < 100 cfu/g |
| E. coli (max) | < 10 cfu/g |
| Enterobacteriaceae (max) | < 10 cfu/g |
| Staphylococcus aureus (max) | < 10 cfu/g |
Common Description
| Variety | 450 g/l , 500g/l, 550g/l, 600g/l, 650g/l, 700 g/l |
| Size | 8mm to 10mm bold |
| Broken | 0% Max |
| Tolerance | 0.5% max |
| Other Matter | 0.5% max |
| Light Pepper | 3% max |
Mycotoxins3
Product is routinely checked for Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin and it complies with the regulations of the destination country.
GM declaration3
To the best of our knowledge this product is non-GM and does not contain GM processing agents. This has been verified by organic certification and by traceability/identity preservation systems including adequate separation.
Allergens statement3
Free of any known Allergens.
Shelf life
Products are supplied with a minimum of 24 months to recommended shelf life (shown on product label) when stored sealed in original packaging under proper storage conditions. To maintain the product in best condition it is advisable to protect it from exposure to pests and extremes of moisture, light and temperature.
Product packaging
20 – 25 kg, PP Kraft Bags with heat sealed inner poly liner. Other options can be suggested.
Any other mandatory requirements will be complying to the respective regulations of the destination country.
Note
1 Testing shall be with reference to the methods prescribed in the manuals of ASTA, ESA, AOAC.
2 Testing shall be with reference to the methods prescribed in the manuals of USDA BAM, AOAC.
3 These tests are performed when required. Certificates of Conformance are available on request.
Uses
- Black Pepper is used in many cuisines across the world. It has a beautiful aroma and tastes delicious when used properly in different dishes.
- Some people apply black pepper to the skin for measles, nerve pain, itchy skin caused by mites, and also for insect bites.
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- It is said that inhaling black pepper oil helps to quit smoking and reduce cravings, and for trouble swallowing.
- Black pepper is also used to stimulate digestion and helps relieve cough and cold. It is also said to improve skin health and help weight loss.
Special remarks
The content of this specification is based on typical information for this product and results obtained from our own due diligence sampling, assessment, and testing protocols, in addition to any testing/sampling that has been undertaken by our supplier.
However, due to the nature of this product, which is not completely homogenous, test results are indicative / referral and may not be entirely representative of the product throughout the lot. In addition, the content of this Specification does not confirm or ensure that the product is safe for all intended uses.
Our quality and technical documentation does not relieve the customer of their responsibilities to check that the goods supplied are suitable and considered safe for their intended use before purchase. The data provided is for information only.
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Specification No EXS:QS:03 Total Pages 2 Issue No 03 Issue Date 08-03-2024 Revision No 00 Revision Date NA Prepared and documented by Team Member, Quality Assurance Approved by Head, Quality Assurance
