Green peppercorns are the unripe berries of the pepper vine that have been processed (usually freeze-dried) to prevent the enzyme present in the husk from turning the berry black. This process gives a berry with a stunning hot, almost fresh flavour without the pungent complexity of black pepper but with a real 'bite'.

uses: Add the crushed berries to a dressing or softened butter with chopped tarragon, lemon and garlic for a superb flavouring for grilled fish. Add the pepper to a stew or soup towards the end of cooking for an injection of heat and flavour.