Ingredient Guide•Black Pepper
All Ingredients
High ProteinHigh Fiber
Spices & HerbsWhole SpicesSouth India (Western Ghats)
Black PepperCalories, Nutrition Facts, Culinary Uses & Recipes
Scientific Name:Piper nigrum
Also known as:
Kali MirchPeppercorns
Black pepper is dried pepper berries. Adds heat and aroma. Supports digestion. Used whole or ground.
Calories (100g)251 kcal
Dietary ProfileVegan & Vegetarian
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Calories in Black Pepper & Nutritional Facts
Standard food-composition values per 100g edible portion and realistic serving portions
How many calories are in Black Pepper?
100 grams of Black Pepper (raw/dry reference weight) provides approximately 251 kcal, 64.0g carbohydrates, 10.0g protein, 3.3g fat, and 26.5g dietary fiber. A realistic single-person portion of 50g contains roughly 126 kcal before cooking oils or garnishes.
251.0kcal
Calories
10.0g
Protein
64.0g
Carbs
3.3g
Fat
26.5g
Fiber
0.6g
Sugar
| Portion Size | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per 30g (Small / 2–3 Tbsp) | 75 kcal | 19.2g | 3.0g | 1.0g | 7.9g |
| Per 50g (Standard Home Serving) | 126 kcal | 32.0g | 5.0g | 1.6g | 13.3g |
| Per 100g (Standard Reference) | 251 kcal | 64.0g | 10.0g | 3.3g | 26.5g |
Source & Disclaimer: Nutritional figures represent approximate values per 100g edible portion compiled from standard food-composition references (including ICMR-NIN Indian Food Composition Tables & USDA FoodData Central). Values vary by grain thickness, moisture, brand, and added cooking oils or garnishes. Provided for general culinary information only and not as medical or clinical dietary advice.
Storage Instructions
Keep Black Pepper fresh and long-lasting
Room Temperature: Whole peppercorns stay fresh in a sealed glass jar for up to three years, while pre-ground pepper loses its punch within a few months. In the Fridge: You do not need to refrigerate whole peppercorns, but grinding and freezing them in an airtight bag can preserve their spicy oils for over a year.
Kitchen Preparation & Cooking Uses
Best culinary practices & prep tips
Which Type to Buy: Always buy whole black peppercorns instead of pre-ground powder because the essential oils fade very fast once crushed. How to Prep: Grind them fresh using a pepper mill or a traditional stone mortar and pestle just before adding to your food. Best Way to Cook: Add whole corns at the start of making soups or stocks so their warmth infuses the liquid, but add freshly cracked pepper at the very end of cooking curries or stir-fries to keep the sharp aroma alive.
General Nutritional & Wellness Notes
Everyday dietary context for Black Pepper as part of balanced home cooking
Black pepper contains good amounts of fiber and helps your digestive system by boosting stomach acid production. It also helps your body absorb nutrients from other foods much better.
Culinary Uses, Origins & Cultural Heritage
How Black Pepper is used across regional kitchens and history
Common Culinary Uses
European traders valued black pepper so highly that people often used it as a form of currency or to pay taxes and rent during the Middle Ages. It drove the age of exploration as sailors searched the globe for direct sea routes to reach the spice markets of India.
Historical Roots
Black pepper comes from the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats in South India, where it has grown wild for thousands of years. It spread across the ancient world through spice trade routes connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Regional & Cultural Traditions
For centuries, black pepper has been a staple spice in Indian households, used in daily cooking as well as traditional home remedies for coughs and colds. In many European and global cultures, it has historically stood as a sign of wealth and high social status.
Did You Know?
Black pepper gets its fiery bite from a natural chemical compound named piperine. White and green peppercorns actually come from the exact same plant, just harvested at different stages of ripeness and processed differently.
Chef & Cooking Tips
If your dish tastes too hot from too much pepper, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of cream to balance the heat. Always toast whole peppercorns in a dry pan for a few seconds before grinding if you want to bring out a deeper, woodsy aroma.
Recipes Using Black Pepper
Explore 1 recipe featuring Black Pepper
Frequently Asked Questions about Black Pepper
Common questions on calories, cooking methods, and kitchen storage
How many calories are in Black Pepper?
Per 100 grams (raw/dry reference weight), Black Pepper contains approximately 251 kcal, 64.0g carbohydrates, 10.0g protein, 3.3g fat, and 26.5g dietary fiber. A typical 50g culinary portion provides roughly 126 kcal before cooking oils, butter, or garnishes are added.
What is Black Pepper and how is it used in cooking?
Black pepper is dried pepper berries. Adds heat and aroma. Supports digestion. Used whole or ground.
How do you prepare and cook with Black Pepper?
Which Type to Buy: Always buy whole black peppercorns instead of pre-ground powder because the essential oils fade very fast once crushed. How to Prep: Grind them fresh using a pepper mill or a traditional stone mortar and pestle just before adding to your food. Best Way to Cook: Add whole corns at the start of making soups or stocks so their warmth infuses the liquid, but add freshly cracked pepper at the very end of cooking curries or stir-fries to keep the sharp aroma alive.
How should Black Pepper be stored to keep it fresh?
Room Temperature: Whole peppercorns stay fresh in a sealed glass jar for up to three years, while pre-ground pepper loses its punch within a few months. In the Fridge: You do not need to refrigerate whole peppercorns, but grinding and freezing them in an airtight bag can preserve their spicy oils for over a year.
What are the nutritional qualities of Black Pepper?
Black pepper contains good amounts of fiber and helps your digestive system by boosting stomach acid production. It also helps your body absorb nutrients from other foods much better. (For general culinary reference only, not medical advice.)
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