Description of Indian pippali pepper
Indian Pippali pepper belongs to traditional plants and is widely used in countries with tropical climates (Sri Lanka, Africa, India). For most European countries, its cultivation and use is a real rarity, or rather exotic.
Indian pippali pepper
Pippali has many other names, including: Indian black (long), spikelet, long, etc.
Characteristic
Pippali pepper is a close relative of regular black pepper, but it has a pungent yet richer sweet taste. It is widely used as a spice in various dishes and especially marinades. It is impossible not to mention that the plant is used in folk medicine in many eastern countries, since it has a huge number of medicinal properties.
Description of the plant
The plant is represented by a long curly liana. It needs a garter on a support, since the length can reach 1.5 m.
Leaves of medium size (5 to 9 cm) are attached with long petioles. They have an elongated shape and a slightly swollen plate surface.
Description of fruits
Pippali hot pepper has fruits that vaguely resemble a pea pod or birch catkin. It consists of small peas closely spaced on a thin stem. Due to this, there is another name for the plant - spikelet.
Fresh and dried fruit tastes significantly different. In the first case, the fruits are sweet, the aftertaste is slightly cooling. The dried fruit tastes pungent and spicy with a warming effect.
Indian long pepper has a pronounced aroma with hints of nutmeg, pine needles and black tea.
Growing and care
With a strong desire, almost everyone can raise Pippali at home. The conditions for this are the same as those used when growing regular black or red pepper.
Only the best seeds should be selected for planting. They are lowered into the ground, approximately 1 cm. From sowing to emergence, it can take a long time (sometimes a month).
We plant the best seeds
Once they have sprouted, they should be transplanted into separate pots and cared for:
- The culture needs regular and abundant watering in the summer, and in the winter - moderate, but constant. Keeping track of when to moisten the soil will help its top layer: as soon as it starts to dry out, you need to water it.
- Since the plant is a thermophilic plant, it is necessary to maintain a high temperature in the summer (22-25 °), only in winter it should be lowered to 18 °, since the plants are at that moment dormant.
- In order to avoid diseases, you need to maintain a high humidity in the room and regularly feed the plants. The latter must be carried out at least once every two weeks from the beginning of spring to the very fall. Most often, mineral fertilizers are used.
- It is also necessary to provide good year-round lighting for the culture.It is desirable that the light be diffused.
- The transplant is also a necessary part of the care. Young plants should be replanted every year, adults every two years.
- The soil must be loosened regularly.
Pippali application
Indian hot long Pippali pepper is an integral part of Thai, Indian, Arabic cuisine. Europeans rarely use it.
Due to the taste of Indian hot pepper Pippali (hot and sweet at the same time), it is often used for marinades for meat, mushrooms, etc.
In medicine and cosmetology
The medicinal properties of Pip have been known for a long time. It is believed that it has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract, improves metabolism, and helps to eliminate toxins and toxins from the body. Thanks to this, weight is reduced, the condition of the skin improves. It also helps relieve nausea and vomiting, constipation, flatulence and heaviness.
Due to its warming effect, Pippali helps the body to cope with various diseases, improves immunity. It is often used as an antipyretic and also as a prophylactic to prevent viral diseases.
It also has a sedative property, has a positive effect on the nervous system and the quality of sleep, and helps with diseases of the circulatory system. It has a beneficial effect on the genitals and the reproductive system, improving their function.
Pepper is widely used in cosmetology. It is a part of products that have a rejuvenating and tonic effect.
Contraindications for use
Despite the huge number of medicinal properties of Indian hot long pepper, it is better to refrain from using it if there is any inflammation in the body. The spice should be completely excluded when planning pregnancy (has a contraceptive effect) and menstruation.
Conclusion
Indian hot long peppers are suitable for growing only for those who have enough time to care for them. Growing it at home - you will gain not only a wonderful ornamental plant, but also a storehouse of useful substances for the prevention and treatment of various ailments.