Cubeb Berries, Java Pepper

Cubeb berries, also known as Java Pepper, Long Tail Pepper or Kabab Chini, have been around for centuries and are slowly growing more popular worldwide. Used often in Indian and Indonesian cuisines and a substitute for black pepper in Europe, cubeb berries have a flavor similar to allspice with the heat of black peppercorns. Use with meat, cheeses, and vegetables; cubeb pairs well with cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric and bay. They are also great to flavor sausages and tagines along with herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary. For a twist, try adding a small amount of cubeb berries to your next batch of gingerbread.