From times immemorial, Black Pepper
was a major component in world trade and continues to be very important even
today. It also played a major role in world history. Voyages undertaken to
distant lands were primarily in search of pepper and other spices. Chance
discovery of the Americas and their colonisation by the European powers could be
attributed to this very much sought after commodity. Provenance of black pepper
on one hand brought riches to India but on the other hand it proved disastrous,
for the sub continent got annexed eventually. India is the only country where
this was grown from ancient times because of which the country had trade
relationships with the Arabs, the Jews, the Roman Empire and the Chinese. Black
Pepper was referred to as Black Gold then. The ships used to sail for Rome,
laden with Pepper and other spices in exchange for Gold. The stuff used to be
carried to other parts of Europe by land route even from the Arabian countries.
It is said that the long trade between India and Rome resulted in depletion of
the Roman Gold reserves to an all time low. Hoards of Roman Gold Coins
discovered from the coastal areas of South India seem to support the above
observation.
Apart from Black Pepper India is/was
a producer of lot many other spices such as Cloves, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg
etc. Spices other than Black Pepper are widely grown elsewhere in South East
Asian countries as well. May 20, 1498 would be considered as a black day for the
Indians when the Portuguese explorer Vasco-da-Gama landed on the shores of South
India near the port of Calicut (now Kozhikode). This saw Portugal establishing
its trading centres on the Indian Soil and extending its business empire through
out South East by the turn of the 16th century. Portugal thus enjoyed a virtual
monopoly over the spice trade. The other European powers followed suit and
headed towards the East. By the 17th century, apart from the Portuguese, the
Dutch, British, Danes and the French could also establish their ware houses for
buying and stocking spices in various coastal areas of India. Eventually this
paved the way for the colonisation of the Sub Continent.
We too have some Pepper Vines, at
home in Kerala, growing on Mango and Areca Nut trees/palms. Kerala (South
western part of India), because of the favourable climatic conditions had been
the home for Black Pepper from ancient times. However, at our home, the growth
is not very encouraging due to inadequate care. Still some of the vines do
produce bunches of pepper adequate for home consumption. On my recent visit, I
found one of the vines having long bunches of the fruit. I thought of using them
for pickles. On examination I found some fruits having turned pink. This is
supposed to be an indication that the fruits are ripe enough to be harvested. If
they are left out, birds get attracted and cause damage. However my plans of
having some pickles were thwarted as by this time the seeds inside would have
become harder and unsuitable for the purpose. Nevertheless I decided to pluck
the bunches and did so by hand, standing under the vine. When the bunches became
unapproachable, I used a ladder to climb up and pull them down. The yield was
around 3 kgs which were put to dry in the Sun.
When the small round fruits
completely dry out, they look black. The outer skin develops wrinkles and
becomes course/rough. If the outer skin is removed, the white seed will peep
out. This when powdered is known as “white pepper”. However, removal of the
black skin causes deterioration in the medicinal properties of the seeds.
Similarly there are other variants such as Red and Green. The red/green berries
are picked and compelled to retain their colours through chemical
processes.
Apart from their use as
preservatives, as spice, for seasoning and on our dining tables, they possess
immense medicinal properties. They are often used for the treatment of Cholera
and Bronchitis. Researchers have also found out that they help in the reduction
of body fat. Capsaicin, an element contained in Black Pepper which is
responsible for the pungent taste, is said to induce fat cells to disintegrate.
Therefore they are supposed to be able to control/cure Cancer, Gastric Ulcers
and Arthritis. Needless to say that it is desirable to increase the intake of
Black Pepper and also as a substitute for Chillies.
Soon we may see them in a capsule
form, prohibitively priced and some multinational companies claiming their
patents.
We have a betel vine at home which
looks somewhat similar to the Pepper vine. Here is a photograph for comparison.
