The black peppercorn is the flowering fruit of the pepper plant, or piper nigrun, which can grow up to 33 feet in hot tropical climates. The sun-drying process transforms their unripened bright green exterior to tiny black, wrinkly spheres. An essential part of most indian cooking for rice, curry and vegetable dishes Coarse black pepper is ready to use. Elevate dishes with black pepper’s piquant flavour and pungent aroma. Be warned! If inhaled course black pepper often causes sneezing!