You May Want to Stock Up on This Common Ingredient Before Prices Increase

Yahoo

2 days ago

There may be a global shortage of black pepper on the horizon, causing prices to increase
Inventory and production levels of black peppercorn — the seed from which black pepper is derived — are down due to a variety of factors
Only four countries generate about 80% of the world's black peppercorn supply, meaning changes in production have far-reaching impactsOne of the world's most common kitchen ingredients might become scarce soon: black pepper.
According to the U.S.-based spice importer Majestic Spice, global inventory levels of black peppercorn — the seed from which black pepper is derived — are down, despite the fact that demand levels have not changed. This scarcity is expected to drive the price higher.
Additionally, unpredictable rain and drought cycles in places where peppercorn is harvested, like India, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, have delayed harvest schedules, putting increased strain on the supply chain, per the outlet.
Studies also show that unpredictable changes in climate — likely due to climate change — can affect how the peppercorn tastes, rendering some of the harvest unusable.
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Additionally, according to a recent article in The India Tribune, trade issues have disincentivized pepper farmers and traders from investing in black pepper production, and they are instead often redirecting their focus to more stable crops. This, combined with the fact that only four countries generate 80% of the world's pepper supply, means this volatility has far-reaching impacts for consumers.
Allrecipes.com notes that Americans will likely first notice the effects of the shortage in stores that sell generic spices, like Trader Joe's or Aldi. They also state that the price of peppercorn is likely to increase in all stores, regardless of where you shop.
Allrecipes notes that, unfortunately, there is no great substitute for fresh pepper ground from whole peppercorns. While white pepper offers too mild a flavor for most, pepper blends like rainbow peppercorn will likely overwhelm the average dish.
Instead, Allrecipes food writer Hannah Klinger suggests utilizing other spices, such as smoked paprika, coriander and cumin, or dried herb blends to brighten your dishes. She also recommends investing in a refillable pepper grinder and stocking up on whole peppercorns while they are available, as this is usually a more affordable option than purchasing pre-filled grinders.
StillTasty, a food shelf life guide site, says that whole black peppercorns stay fresh for three to four years, meaning that any peppercorns you buy now should be usable for quite some time.
Read the original article on People