Pepper is the one spice which is added to almost every dish, including some desserts. Vietnam is the worlds largest pepper producers by far, growing over 216 thousand tons of mixed peppercorns each year.

Ground or crushed coloured peppercorns are used both during and after cooking a meal; and are often used along with salt to increase heat and flavour to a dish.

Pepper is chock full of vitamins such as A, C and K, and minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, folic acid, phosphorus, copper, thiamine, pyridoxine manganese and riboflavin. Wow! That’s a lot of health in one small peppercorn. But what does that mean for us in health terms? It means that including pepper in your diet may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, relieve headaches, arthritis, muscle pains and inflammation.

Like me, next time you're in the kitchen, add a sprinkle of pepper to your protein dishes, your soups, sauces, vegetables and salads.

There is a great tasting Slow-cooked Herb and Pepper Steak recipe in the Culinary Creations eBook. See Book Here