What is Pink Pepper?

Also known as Peruvian pepper and false pepper, pink pepper (Schinus molle) is an evergreen native to the Peruvian Andes and naturalized elsewhere, including California. Pink pepper is not botanically related to black pepper (Piper nigrum), although the berry-like drupes of this South American tree do resemble true peppercorns. In fact, pink "peppercorns" are typically included with and provide the pink-to-red color interest in packages of mixed peppercorns.

In addition to use at the table like black pepper, ground pink peppercorns are used to flavor

confections and baked goods. (Try some in brownies and in other chocolate treats!) Ground pink pepper is also an ingredient in horchata, a traditional South American beverage that usually consists of milk , rice, cinnamon, vanilla, sesame seeds and a variety of other herbs and spices, depending on the region.

Like black pepper essential oil, the essential oil of pink pepper lends a spicy, balsamic and peppery scent to aroma formulations, but has slightly sweeter note. In perfumery and in aromatherapy, pink pepper essential oil pairs well with these essential oils: black pepper, cardamom, carrot seed, citrus oils, clary sage, clove, frankincense, geranium, ginger, lavender, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, nutmeg, palo santo, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, tea tree, vetiver, yarrow, ylang ylang.