Cubeb Pepper

Cubeb pepper – an exotic tailed pepper with a eucalyptus note

Cubeb pepper (Piper cubeba), also known as tailed pepper, is a special type of pepper from Indonesia. Characteristic is its pleasantly slightly bitter aroma with a hint of eucalyptus and camphor, plus a peppery seasoning that is also reminiscent of allspice. A white crystallisation on the pepper berries indicates a high content of essential oils and is a mark of quality.

How to use

A classic for meat and vegetable dishes, strong sauces and braised roasts. Crush fresh in the mortar – this releases the essential oils. Also used in Moroccan ras el hanout and Tunisian blends.

Important: Dose sparingly, the aroma is intense and can mask the dish's own taste. Store whole berries dry, dark and well sealed and only crush them in the mortar just before use so the essential oils don't fade.

At a glance

• Cubeb pepper (Piper cubeba), also tailed pepper
• Slightly bitter with a eucalyptus-camphor note
• For meat, vegetables, strong sauces and braised roasts
• White crystallisation as a mark of quality
• Mortar fresh for full aroma

Goes well with

For oriental blends: Ras el Hanout and Harissa. More pepper specialities: fresh pepper fermented with sea salt, smoked black pepper, Poivres Rares spiced salt (contains cubeb pepper). For braises: Förster's braising pot. A mortar recommendation: Granite Mortar Gigant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tailed pepper?
Cubeb pepper berries have a small stalk on the dried berries – hence the name. The berries look like small black peppercorns with an attached tail.

What does cubeb pepper taste like?
Slightly bitter with a eucalyptus-camphor note, reminiscent of allspice. Peppery, but not as hot as black pepper. An idiosyncratic type of pepper for lovers of complex aromas.

When do I use cubeb pepper?
For braises, sauces and strong meat dishes. Also classically used in gin botanicals (cubeb pepper was historically contained in gin).

Should I buy it whole or ground?
Always whole and crush fresh in the mortar. Otherwise the aroma of the essential oils quickly fades.