Check the listing for details. Black Peppercorns - 4 oz.. Condition: New. Listed at 13.43 USD. Black Peppercorns - 4 oz. Historically, black pepper is one of the most valuable spices that was ever traded. Peppercorns were often used as a commodity money in place of actual coin. So precious and expensive were they that in ancient Rome, you could have a rival killed for a mere handful of them. Easy to use and versatile, Black Peppercorns can be added whole, crushed, or ground. Commonly used to make vinaigrettes, sauces, marinades, or creamy salad dressings. All Natural, Gluten-Free, Kosher Parve, Non-GMO When archaeologist uncovered Ramses II, they found black peppercorns stuffed in his nostrils – this was part of the ritual mummification process. During the Age of Discovery, black pepper and the profit of the spice trade was one of the reasons Portugal, Spain, France, and other European nations sailed the world and expanded the map; to find new sources of spice. Nearly all pepper traded in the ancient world made its way through Malabar, on the Indian Peninsula, and is the main reason the region developed as a major port and trading post in the ancient world. Indeed, black peppercorns play a distinct part in human history that is more entrenched in the development of nations than we understand. They also taste so flippin’ good. Black pepper is used as a spice in nearly all the world’s cuisines as a pungent, spicy, heating agent for food due to the presence of capsaicin and piperine. Teasings of citrus and wood also add to black pepper’s allure. Black peppercorns can be used whole in stews, soups, stocks, and pickles. Recommended Applications Easy to use and versatile, Black Peppercorns can be added whole, crushed, or ground. Commonly used to make vinaigrettes, sauces, marinades, or creamy salad dressings. Basic Preparation Any spice is best to use promptly after it has just been ground. Another way to add the Black Peppercorn flavoring is to place them in a cheese cloth bag and let simmer in a stew or soup, remove the bag before serving. Also notable, pepper looses its flavoring during extended cooing periods, so it is best to add towards the end of cooking. Ingredients Black peppercorns.