Tellicherry Pepper

The pepper plant is a flowering vine (Piper nigrum). For black pepper, berries are picked near ripeness and sun-dried; the green to red outer skin wrinkles and turns dark. Tellicherry refers to select, large, fully mature peppercorns traditionally traded from the Malabar Coast around Thalassery (Tellicherry), India. These corns are prized for a bright, citrus-peel lift over warm, woody depth.

• Botany: Piper nigrum • Family: Piperaceae
• Origin: India, Malabar Coast (Thalassery/“Tellicherry” trade grade)
• Grade note: larger, well-ripened corns (often sold as “Extra Bold/TGSEB”)
• Profile: citrus-peel highs, resinous/woody core, clean, persistent heat
• Color cue: often deep brown-black; fully ripened cores yield rounder flavor

Aroma & Taste

Lively top notes (grapefruit/orange zest) on classic pepper warmth with piney, nutty hints. The heat is firm but balanced, making Tellicherry ideal for both cooking and table finishing.

Culinary Uses & Pairings

• Steaks & grills: coarse-cracked for crusts; finish ribeye, lamb, venison.
• Sauces & pan juices: bloom in butter/oil, then deglaze with stock or wine.
• Seafood & veg: freshly cracked over tuna, scallops, asparagus, mushrooms.
• Stocks & soups: use whole corns for rounded warmth; crack at the end for aroma.
• Baking & charcuterie: fine grind in crackers, pâtés and peppered salumi.

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: add in sachets/tea-balls to 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 corns per 1 l (4 cups) base; adjust to taste.

Ingredients & Allergens

Ingredients: Black peppercorns (Piper nigrum), Tellicherry grade.

Allergens: none mandatory in EN labeling for this single ingredient.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store airtight, cool, dry and away from light. Whole peppercorns remain vibrant 18–24 months. Grind only what you need.

Substitutes & Notes

No exact substitute for Tellicherry’s bright top notes. A high-quality black pepper finished with a hint of lemon zest gives a similar lift. Note: “Tellicherry” designates a size/quality grade associated with the region rather than a separate botanical variety.

FAQ

Is Tellicherry hotter than standard black pepper?
Heat is comparable, but the aroma is brighter and more complex, so it can seem livelier.

Why are Tellicherry corns larger?
They’re selected from fully mature berries; only a small share of a harvest meets the large-size grade.

When should I add pepper—early or late?
Early for rounded warmth in braises and stocks; freshly cracked at the end for vivid aroma.

Merchant contact: Orlandosidee — Spice Shop (see site imprint for full company details). Email: info(at)orlandosidee.de