Definition of «peppercorn»

A peppercorn is a small, hard, round seed that comes from the black pepper plant. In addition to its use as a spice, it also has a legal and historical significance. In law, a peppercorn rent refers to a nominal amount of money paid for the use of property or land, often just one penny (or peppercorn) per year. Historically, peppercorns were used as currency in some parts of the world, particularly in ancient India and China. Today, peppercorn is also used figuratively to refer to something that is given or done simply for the sake of formality, without any real value or substance behind it.

Usage examples

  1. Use ground peppercorns to season your favorite dishes, such as pasta, salads, or grilled meats.
  2. Crush a few peppercorns and add them to a homemade spice blend for an extra kick.
  3. Make a marinade by combining crushed garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, and a pinch of peppercorns for a flavorful meat or vegetable marinade.
  4. Sprinkle whole peppercorns on top of a creamy soup or stew for a beautiful and fragrant garnish.
  5. Grind fresh peppercorns over a slice of watermelon for a unique blend of sweet and spicy flavors.
  6. Infuse vinegar with whole peppercorns for a delicious homemade black pepper vinegar to drizzle on salads or roasted vegetables.
  7. Create a simple salad dressing by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and freshly ground peppercorns.
  8. Add a few whole peppercorns to a pot of boiling water when cooking pasta to infuse it with extra flavor.
  9. Crush peppercorns and mix them with other herbs and spices, like rosemary and thyme, to create a custom dry rub for grilling or roasting meats.
  10. Use a mortar and pestle to crush peppercorns and then use this freshly ground pepper to season your morning eggs or avocado toast.

Sentences with «peppercorn»

  • One version is made by steeping whole black peppercorns in vodka. (fieryfoodscentral.com)
  • As if Ema Datshi is not hot enough, it is served with a very fiery condiment called Esay, the main ingredient being the Sichuan peppercorn mixed with tomato paste and onion. (fieryfoodscentral.com)
  • I added cracked black peppercorns in mine... next time adding chopped walnuts and feta cheese. (bbcgoodfood.com)
  • (see all sentences)
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