Black pepper, scientific name Piper nigrum Linnaeus, is a spice obtained from the berries of the pepper tree, a plant taking the appearance of a tropical vine belonging to the Piperaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia (most likely from the west coast of India in the Kerala region). The grains are the most exploited parts of the plant. They are harvested just before they mature (and turn red in color) and are left to ferment and dry. It is used as a food spice for its spicy and aromatic flavor, for its preservative and flavor enhancing power and also en traditional medicine.

It contains a biochemically active molecule “piperine” which is part of the alkaloid family. It is the origin of the spicy taste aspect and is known to have numerous properties.