{"id":45242,"date":"2024-06-21T14:57:10","date_gmt":"2024-06-21T11:57:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/themood.lt\/?p=45242"},"modified":"2024-06-21T14:57:16","modified_gmt":"2024-06-21T11:57:16","slug":"rare-cameroonian-penja-pepper","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/themood.lt\/en\/blog\/rare-cameroonian-penja-pepper\/","title":{"rendered":"Rare Cameroonian Penja Pepper"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Penja Pepper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the village of Penja, Cameroon, pepper cultivation began in the 1930s through the initiative of a banana grower named Antoine Decr\u00e9. This marks one of the latest examples of Piper nigrum, the species of black pepper plants, thriving outside its natural habitat. The rapid rise of Penja pepper to global culinary fame can be attributed to highly favorable climatic conditions, dedication, and meticulous work.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"penja-in-hand\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Penja pepper is distinguished by its unique flavor profile, thanks to the rich and balanced volcanic soil. This flavor profile gained international recognition in 2014 when Penja pepper received a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) certification\u2014one of the first in Africa. This certification signifies the geographical origin’s protection, highlighting the pepper’s quality and regional uniqueness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, Penja pepper has spurred socio-economic changes in the Penja village. Smallholder farmers, collaborating closely, aim for economic prosperity by investing in local cultural and social development. Their efforts include initiatives such as improving schools, enhancing working conditions, and even establishing a new local football team. This collective approach enhances community well-being while showcasing Penja pepper as a global culinary treasure rooted in Cameroonian soil and tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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White Penja Pepper<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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“Most white peppers<\/a> are quite average due to improper drying, slight fermentation, and bitterness. But I have never had bad Penja peppers.” – Lior Lev Sercarz, chef and spice creator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the world of peppers, Cameroon stands out for its culturally formed demand for white peppers. For this reason, traditionally Penja plantations grew white peppers without paying attention to the needs of global consumers and traders for black peppers. Despite global trends, demand for Penja white peppers remains exceptionally high in Cameroon – truly a unique case. Cameroonian growers have also benefited greatly from natural sources of pure water, vital for the production of white peppers. Despite this, black pepper production is technologically simpler, resulting in a relatively high price for Cameroonian white peppers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sensation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Warm, intense flavor with a distinctly sweet caramelized meat aroma. Gentle musk notes intertwining with a smoky-like scent. A mysterious and expressive flavor lingering on the palate for a few moments. Spicy delicate taste with wild hints, perfectly complementing seductive aromas. Pepper leaves a comprehensive impression of smoky depth, full of unexpected, gentle, and emotional notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smell<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Top notes (full peppers, after touching the air)<\/strong>. Initially, dominant notes of menthol and vetiver are felt, which quickly dissolve into an enticing aroma of fresh mint and hints of cold smoke. After a few minutes, more pulsating, unrestrained pepper aromas unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gentle notes (crushed and cracked peppers).<\/strong> A scent leading with peppermint and smoldering herbal aromas, reminiscent dreamily of the smells of wild greens awakening after rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Base notes (ground and attracted peppers).<\/strong> Intriguing flavors grappling with each other, brought together in a harmonious blend with a light and savory hint of wild aromas. Notes of musk and homemade chicken broth are noticeable, along with a faint yet embracing smoky aroma, somewhat resembling the scent of cold ashes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Appearance <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The outer appearance of white Penja peppers<\/a> is characterized by a fairly regular, round, smooth shape and a creamy white color, sometimes with a slightly light grayish hue. The inside of the pepper is also light, matte, almost creamy white in color.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Taste<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subtly sharp, intense, and aromatic peppers that demand a pronounced texture, akin to red meat, lamb, or pork cuts. For best results, always grind the peppers just before serving to maintain their freshness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Preferred with:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n