Our pure black pepper is the most widely used seasoning on Earth. It delivers a mild kick of heat that highlights rather than overwhelms other flavors. 

WHERE DOES BLACK PEPPER COME FROM?

Native to the Malabar Coast of India, McCormick Black Pepper comes from the mature berries of the evergreen vine Piper nigrum. From plantation to package, we monitor the process every step of the way to ensure that every bottle delivers consistent sharp aroma and earthy flavor. In ancient times, peppercorns were rare and valuable. They were used as currency to pay dowries and even rent. Although no longer used as money, pure black pepper is still one of the world’s most valued and beloved spices in all types of food.

HOW MCCORMICK SOURCES BLACK PEPPER:

Black pepper is mostly grown in India, Indonesia, Brazil and Vietnam. For McCormick Black Pepper, whole clusters of near-ripe berries are harvested by hand before being dried and ground. The result is nothing but pure pepper in every bottle.

HOW LONG DOES BLACK PEPPER LAST?

How long black pepper lasts can vary depending on the way it is stored and the form in which it is purchased. Whole peppercorns can last for roughly 3 to 4 years and ground black pepper is best for about 2 years. Pepper does not necessarily spoil like dairy products but can lose its optimal flavor over time. It is recommended to follow the date provided on the package for optimal quality. Check out how long spices last for your other favorite spices. 

FLAVORS THAT GO WITH BLACK PEPPER:

Add some more flavor to your meals with these herbs and spices. They go great with black pepper.

HOW TO STORE BLACK PEPPER

Keep black pepper in a place where it’s away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight. It is recommended to have spices away from the stove or sink and kept in a dark cabinet or spice drawer to help retain the quality of the black pepper. Same rules apply for spice racks for keeping it away from the stove and sink but also keep it away from direct sunlight. 

HOW TO SMOKE BLACK PEPPER

• Rosemary: Aromatic rosemary adds distinctive Mediterranean flavor to grilled lamb, roast chicken, tomato sauce, roasted vegetables and potatoes.
• Thyme: The plant’s tiny leaves—just a quarter inch at most in length—must be carefully harvested, cleaned, dried and milled to retain their rich color, piney aroma and earthy flavor. In the ancient world, thyme was a symbol of courage and bravery. One of the highest compliments to pay a Greek warrior, for instance, was to say he smelled of thyme. And in the Middle Ages, thyme was used to fend off nightmares. Today, our pure thyme holds its greatest place of honor in the kitchen as one of our most popular herbs.
• Garlic: McCormick partners with family owned farms to grow garlic that can be used as powder or minced. It adds instant flavor into whatever you’re cooking because our bottles contain garlic and only garlic, and nothing else. Garlic is a member of the lily family, native to Central Asia and cousin to leeks, chives, onions and shallots. It’s the most pungent of the lilies, with a strong flavor and aroma. Unless you’re using it to ward off vampires, as people have done since the 1700s, it pays to use allium sativum with a gentle hand.
• Paprika: McCormick sources whole paprika pepper pods from farmers in warm, dry climates. The paprika grown and bottled by McCormick is nothing but the purest. Paprika is a New World spice, meaning it didn’t take hold in Europe until the 1600s, where it was introduced to Europeans by Bulgarians and Turks. Perhaps best known as the garnish on deviled eggs, our pure paprika has a world of other uses. Use it as an addition to soups, rubs, marinades, sauces and more.

GRAB YOUR BLACK PEPPER PRODUCTS!

McCormick Black Pepper in the bottle brings a touch of heat that pairs with other herbs and spices without overpowering the palette

• McCormick Ground Black Pepper
• McCormick Coarse Ground Black Pepper
• McCormick Organic Ground Black Pepper
• McCormick Gourmet Organic Coarse Ground Black Pepper
• McCormick Gourmet Organic Black Pepper Cracked

AND TRY THESE RECIPES THAT USE BLACK PEPPER:

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Skillet
• Tzatziki Potato Salad
• Peruvian Chicken with Chile Sauces
• Cheddar and Black Pepper Biscuits
• Brazilian Cheese Rolls With Rosemary And Black Pepper
• Tossed Green Salad With Chicken And Crushed Black Pepper
• Grilled Salmon With Peppered Soy Glaze
• Creamy Peppered Chicken And Mushrooms 
• Black Pepper Bloody Mary
• Bacon Wrapped Roasted Asparagus  

MORE BLACK PEPPER TIPS

• Flavor Story: Pure Ground Black Pepper
• Flavor Story: Coarse Ground Black Pepper
• Flavor Story: Whole Black Pepper
• Unexpected Ways To Use Black Pepper
• The Measurements To Convert Common Whole Spices Into Ground

TRY BLACK PEPPER IN SOME OF OUR FAVORITE CUISINES

• Greek Cuisines
• Korean Cuisines

Ready to use more black pepper in your recipes? Save your favorite food, dessert, drink recipes and organize your ingredients with McCormick Meal Planner. Create a Flavor Profile to save all your favorite recipes and create grocery lists for easy shopping. You will also get custom recommendations based on your saved items to make your meals!