Black pepper isn't boring, it's misunderstood

Black peppercorns with pestle and mortar. Photo: iStock

By LYNNE CURRY

Have you ever truly considered the merits of black pepper? If not, no one would blame you. This staple seasoning is so commonplace it's barely an afterthought for most people while cooking or eating. True, peppercorns – the fruits from flowering vines that inspired the ancient spice trade – have been around forever. Given this over-familiarity, black pepper may be the single most misused and misunderstood ingredient in the kitchen today.