Piper longum and Piper retrofactum

Longum or Bengal pepper is an elongated pepper native to India and Indonesia. It is widely used in Asia, East and North Africa, dishes that are slow-cooked, and as a seasoning for pickling. Longum is harvested while still green and develops its grayish-black color when dried in the sun.

Although it has a scent reminiscent of cinnamon, it is very intense and peppery, with a taste similar to black pepper. Indonesian Longum is slightly longer and spicier than Indian Longum.

Longum is not often found on supermarket shelves, but it is part of the regular offerings in any spice shop. It is bought whole and ground as needed. Just like regular pepper, its flavors dissipate much faster once ground.

If purchased as a whole fruit, it can be kept in a tightly sealed container for over a year.

In culinary, it is used much like black pepper.

In southern India, it is used in stews with lentils and cucumbers, and due to its mildly sweet taste, it pairs well with Southeast Asian spice blends for grilled meats. It's an excellent choice for summer salads, sweet and spicy combinations, and fruits like mangoes. It goes well with most dishes - with asparagus, artichokes, mushrooms, and meat.

It pairs well with basil, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, coriander, lemon, lime.