# How to Pick Black Peppercorns
Piper nigrum, commonly known as black peppercorn, is a fruit commonly used as a seasoning. Black peppercorn plants thrive in tropical regions. The peppercorns should be picked before ripening; after ripening, black peppercorns rapidly lose flavor. Black peppercorn plants do not begin producing fruit until reaching three to five years of age. After reaching maturity, black peppercorn plants produce fruit for approximately seven years. Peppercorns are best picked during dry summer months, as this is when the fruit is mature enough to be used.
Things You'll Need
- Gardening gloves
- Small shears or scissors
- Basket or container
Instructions
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1
Observe your black peppercorns for a period of several days. Each cluster of peppercorns is called a spike. When the fruits nearest the bottom of each spike begin to turn red, the vine is ready to be harvested.
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2
Don gardening gloves before picking black peppercorn. Black peppercorn vines are woody and rough, and handling with bare hands may result in splinters or cuts.
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3
Cut the base of each spike you wish to harvest with gardening shears or scissors. Place your cut halfway between the stalk of the vine and the fruit at a 45-degree angle to the plant.
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4
Collect your peppercorns in a basket or other container to ensure safe transportation.
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5
Allow the spikes to dry in natural sunlight for four to five days before removing the fruit.
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