Black Pepper hails as one of the most coveted and versatile spices utilized in both commercial and home kitchens, but many may ask, why are there so many different grinds of this beloved berry? Well, spice and peppercorn aficionados will tell you, it's all about the grind of the peppercorn, and we 100% agree! The finer the grind (or mesh), the greater the surface area and the more quickly it adds pepper's earthy kick and sharp aroma to a dish. Coarser peppercorn grinds deliver robust explosions of sharp, biting flavor and crunchy texture while still complementing the other flavors and spices in a dish.
The term mesh, refers to the size of the holes in the mesh screen through which the peppercorn passes while it is being ground.
Whole Peppercorns offer the freshest flavor and aroma when ground in your gourmet peppermill. There is nothing like freshly ground black pepper set to the ideal grind for each savory dishes unique flavor profile. Whole Peppercorns are also used in pickling and brining mixes, marinades, soups, and sauces.
Black Pepper 1/2 Cracked (6 Mesh), is a blend of cracked and smaller whole black peppercorns. This grind is visually stunning thus often used as a garnish, but it also brings exciting texture and bite when added to soups like Thai Coconut Green Curry Soup or Chicken Soup. Let's not forget rubs. Try mixing 1/2 Cracked Black Pepper with Sriracha Seasoning for a spicy-sweet and peppery pork loin or steak rub.
Black Pepper Cracked (8 Mesh), otherwise known as 1/4 cracked, is ideal on pasta and salads, soup and salsa, or pressed into raw meat that's been rubbed with oil before cooking.
Black Pepper Butcher Grind (12 Mesh), is delicious in everything previously mentioned, but most commonly used with coarse salts like Essex Sea Salt Flakes for seasoning steaks and other thick cuts of meat before grilling. Black Pepper Butcher Grind is also incredible on fresh fruits paired with a sea salt like Sel Gris de Gurande.
Black Pepper Coarse (16 Mesh), quickly brings a bright, peppery bite to just about everything from vegetables, meats, sauces, and soups, to eggs, cheese and fruits. Black Pepper Coarse is commonly used in black pepper sauces and as a crust on filet mignon.
Black Pepper Ground (25 mesh), stands proudly as a table-side condiment in restaurants and kitchens all over the world. Not only is Black Pepper Ground used as a finishing seasoning but also used in dishes when less peppery texture and appearance are desired like butternut squash soup.