Long Pepper - Piper longum

Did you know there are many different types of pepper in addition to what's in your pepper shaker? In addition to black pepper (Piper nigrum), some other peppers of interest are white pepper (also Piper nigrum but a different part of the plant), and long pepper (Piper longum). Long pepper plants produce fruit that is slightly hotter than its relative Piper nigrum. The fruit typically grows around 3 inches long and is dried and crushed into the spice that you will soon come to love. It's already loved and widely-used in many cuisines from India to Malaysia to North Africa. If you're at an Indian grocery store, you'll likely find the spice powder labeled "Pippali" or "Indian Long Pepper." This vining plant is ideal for container growing and will grow up a small trellis or stake. Beyond its culinary merits, Long Pepper is also renowned for its medicinal benefits: The roots are used for various stomach ailments from aches and pains to constipation. The fruit is used in some medicines to help with coughs, asthma, inflammation, and more.

Plant Size
A baby plant, that is 3-8 inches tall, will arrive at your home in a 3-inch-deep pot. Then, raise your new baby to maturity under your caring, green thumb.

• Average mature height: 12 to 15 feet
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil: Keep moist but not soggy
• Zones: 10-11