He will test his taste buds with real Kampot pepper

Although it may not look like it at first glance, black pepper is a fruit just like, for example, grape wine. This means that its taste is influenced by the conditions in which it is grown and the processes it undergoes.

Thanks to this, the flavor profile of peppercorns grown in different regions can differ significantly. An absolute layman might find the taste of each peppercorn more or less identical. However, if you know what to focus on when tasting, even those whose palates are not the most sensitive will quickly recognize interesting flavor nuances.

Where does tasting begin and where does it end?

If you are going to taste pepper, it is good to first focus on the Lot number, that is, the batch of the given harvest. This number will tell you how fresh the pepper is and where it was grown. If the Lot number is missing on the bag, it is better to avoid such pepper. Don't know exactly what a Lot number is and where to find this number? Read our article, which deals in detail with this great helper in searching for quality.

After you open the bag with pepper, focus on the color and quality of the grains. If the grains crumble, are musty or even moldy, it is better not to consume the pepper at all. The entire contents of the bag should have a uniform color. There should be no larger differences between shades.

Remember that for black pepper, the rule applies: the darker the grain, the better the quality. A deep dark color and consistent structure without cracks and other visual changes are also signs of the pepper's freshness.

During the tasting itself, focus on the acidity of the pepper, which should not be dominant at all, but should be slightly present. Black pepper is obtained by drying green pepper in the sun, so acidic tones are appropriate.

Which aroma is appropriate?

Although it may sound strange, look for sweet tones in the flavor as well, not only in the fruity and fully ripe Kampot red pepper. Even black pepper should be accompanied by sweet tones alongside its characteristic pungency. And last but not least, also look for citrus, camphor, and floral tones in pepper. These are most noticeable in fully ripened red pepper, but can also be found in other colors of peppercorns.