
Lampong Pepper
Piper nigrum — Sumatra (Lampong/Lampung), Indonesia
The pepper plant is a flowering vine (Piper nigrum). For black pepper, berries are picked close to ripeness and sun-dried; the green-to-red skin wrinkles and turns deep brown-black. Lampong (often spelled Lampung) denotes classic Indonesian origin from southern Sumatra—known for a sharp, citrus-woody aroma and clean, focused heat.
- Botany: Piper nigrum • Family: Piperaceae
- Origin: Sumatra (Lampong/Lampung), Indonesia
- Processing: nearly ripe berries, sun-dried to black
- Profile: bright citrus peel and piney top notes over warm, woody depth
- Best use: grind fresh; bloom briefly in fat for sauces
Aroma & Taste
Lampong black pepper delivers classic pepper warmth with a brisk, lemon-grapefruit lift and light resinous (pine) hints. Heat builds steadily without harshness, making it versatile for everyday cooking and table finishing.
Culinary Uses & Pairings
- Grill & pan: coarse-cracked for steak and lamb crusts; finish roast vegetables and mushrooms.
- Sauces & pan juices: bloom in butter or oil, then deglaze with stock, cream or wine.
- Seafood & veg: crack over tuna, scallops, asparagus, cabbage and potatoes.
- Soups & stocks: add whole peppercorns early; crack at the end for aroma.
- Baking: fine grind in crackers, cheese biscuits and savory shortbread.
How to Use
- Grind by need: coarse for steaks/salads; medium for soups; fine for silky sauces.
- Bloom gently: warm cracked pepper 10–20 s in fat; add liquid promptly to avoid scorching.
- Whole peppercorns: use in sachets/tea-balls for broths; remove before serving.
Dosage & Kitchen Ratios
- Finishing: 1/8–1/4 tsp freshly cracked per portion.
- Dry rubs: 1–2 tsp coarse grind per 250 g (9 oz) meat.
- Stocks/soups: 6–10 whole peppercorns per 1 l (4 cups) base; adjust to taste.
Pair With
Garlic, shallot, thyme, rosemary, bay, lemon zest, olive oil, tomato, mushrooms, cream and aged cheeses.
Ingredients & Allergens
Ingredients: Black peppercorns (Piper nigrum) — Lampong origin.
Allergens: none mandatory in EN labeling for this single ingredient.
Storage & Shelf Life
Store whole peppercorns airtight, cool, dry and away from light. Best aroma 18–24 months; grind only what you need.
Substitutes & Notes
High-quality black peppers from other origins (e.g., Malabar, Sarawak, Vietnam) substitute well—nuances vary. For extra brightness, finish with a whisper of lemon zest.
FAQ
Is Lampong pepper very hot?
Medium, balanced heat with a bright aromatic lift—more fragrance than burn.
When should I add it?
Early for rounded warmth in braises and stocks; freshly cracked at the end for vivid aroma.
Can I use mixed pepper blends?
Yes—combine Lampong black with a few red or green peppercorns for color and extra brightness.
Merchant contact: Orlandosidee — Spice Shop (see site imprint for full company details). Email: info(at)orlandosidee.de