Kampot Pepper: Cambodia's Protected Spice

Why the name matters

Only pepper grown in Kampot province can be sold as Kampot pepper in the EU, where the name is legally protected. That protection is the reason the spice has a reputation for being the real thing, and also the reason buyers need to check labels with some care.

Pepper has been grown in Cambodia for centuries. Its reputation as a quality spice took off during the French colonial period, when it was shipped to France and elsewhere in Europe and became highly sought after there.

Four colours, four flavours

All four types come from the same vines. What changes is when the peppercorns are picked and how they are handled afterwards.

• Green: picked before the berries ripen. Bright and citrusy, with mild heat.
• Black: made from fully ripe peppercorns dried in the sun. A more robust flavour and stronger heat.
• White: soaked in water to remove the outer layer. Delicate, with a subtle heat.
• Red: left on the vine to dry. Rich and fruity, with strong heat.

Harvested peppercorns are processed by traditional methods, which is what brings out the aroma and flavour described above.

Cooking with it

Kampot pepper is used in French and wider European cooking, where its aroma has made it a favourite for gourmet dishes. It is just as much part of everyday Cambodian food, and turns up in classics such as fish amok and beef lok lak.

A practical tip: if you want to taste the differences between the colours, try them side by side on something plain, such as rice or a simple grilled dish.

Health claims

Pepper contains piperine, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may aid digestion, improve circulation and help regulate blood sugar. In traditional medicine it has been used for digestive problems, respiratory complaints and arthritis. Treat these as traditional uses rather than medical advice.

Buying genuine Kampot pepper

The pepper is sold online and in specialty food stores around the world, so you do not have to carry it home from Cambodia. Whatever the source, look for products certified by the Kampot Pepper Promotion Association (KPPA) or the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce. Certification is the way to confirm that what you are buying is authentic.