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Nature

Pink Peppercorn

What is pink peppercorn?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Botanical name *Schinus molle*, *Schinus terebinthifolia*[1]
Plant type Dried berry[1]
Relation to true pepper Not related to *Piper nigrum*[1]
Common species Peruvian pepper tree (*Schinus molle*); Brazilian pepper tree (*Schinus terebinthifolia*)[1]
Flavor Hot taste and aroma; less pungent, fruitier, sweeter, milder[2]

A pink peppercorn is a dried berry used as a spice, most often from the Peruvian pepper tree (*Schinus molle*) or the Brazilian pepper tree (*Schinus terebinthifolia*). It is not true pepper (*Piper nigrum*), though it offers a hot, peppery aroma and flavor.

Context

Pink peppercorn is a dried berry sold as a spice, most commonly from *Schinus molle* or *Schinus terebinthifolia*; it is not true pepper (*Piper nigrum*) [1]. It is used for its peppery aroma and flavor [2]. The plant is related to cashews [3]. It is also known as *baie rose* [1].

Documented claims

  • Pink peppercorns are dried berries from *Schinus molle* or *Schinus terebinthifolia*, not true pepper. [1]
  • They are used as a spice for their hot taste and aroma. [2]
  • They are related to cashews. [3]

Questions and answers

What do pink peppercorns taste like?

They have a hot taste and aroma, but are less pungent, fruitier, sweeter, and milder than true pepper [2].

What can I use pink peppercorns for?

They are used as a spice in beverages and medicines, adding a fresh, spicy scent [2].

Can you be allergic to pink peppercorns?

Because they are related to cashews, people with tree nut allergies may react to pink peppercorns [3].

Sources

  1. PINK PEPPERCORN definition in American English — collinsdictionary.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. What is Pink Peppercorn? — handycookbook.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Pink Peppercorns — instituteofmaking.org.uk (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature