• PPP
• by danydgtl@gmail.com

Behind every jar of PP PEPPER lies a story of dedication, tradition, and meticulous care. The journey of Penja Pepper from a flowering liana to the prized spice in your kitchen is a fascinating process that combines generations of farming wisdom with strict quality standards. Join us as we trace the remarkable path of our “white gold.”

The First Three Years: Patience and Nurturing

The journey begins not in the field, but in the nursery. Pepper plants (Piper nigrum) are not grown from seeds, but from cuttings taken from the central stems of healthy vines after harvest. Each 30-35 cm cutting is treated with natural fungicide and planted in polyethylene bags filled with enriched soil. For 6-8 months, these cuttings are carefully tended in shaded nurseries, receiving daily watering and protection from pests.

Only after this nurturing period are the young plants ready for their permanent home in the volcanic soils of the Penja valley.

The Perfect Environment: A Delicate Balance

The pepper vine is particular about its home. Our plantations are carefully established with:

• Optimal Spacing: 1.5 meters between plants, 2.5 meters between rows
• Essential Support: Each plant needs a sturdy tutor (living or dead) to climb, as the liana can reach up to 10 meters high
• Ideal Conditions: Deep, permeable, well-drained soils rich in organic matter
• Climate Precision: Annual rainfall of 2,000-3,000 mm distributed over 7-8 months, followed by a crucial 4-5 month dry season

The first flowers appear between April and May, but farmers must wait 3-5 years after planting for the first significant harvest. A well-maintained pepper vine can remain productive for an impressive 15-35 years.

The Art of Harvest: Timing is Everything

From December to March the dry season in Cameroon the pepper reaches its peak. What makes Penja Pepper special is that every color (black, white, red, green) comes from the same plant, harvested at different stages of maturity:

• Teams of skilled harvesters carefully pick the berry clusters by hand
• For high-growing berries, workers use ladders to ensure no precious fruit is lost
• The harvest timing determines the final product’s color and character

Post-Harvest Excellence: Where Magic Happens

This is where the true transformation occurs, and where PP PEPPER’s commitment to quality shines brightest.

For White Pepper:

1. Berries are soaked in terroir water for 10 days (water changed every 2 days)
2. The retting process naturally removes the outer pulp
3. Depulped berries are sun-dried for several days to reach 10-12% humidity
4. Final sorting and calibration into three sizes

For Black Pepper:

1. Green berries are blanched in boiling water for 2-6 minutes
2. Immediate cooling and sun-drying with the pericarp intact
3. The wrinkling, blackening process creates the characteristic appearance

For Green Pepper:

1. Immature berries are brined in a 20% salt solution for one day
2. Transferred to a 7.5% brine for permanent preservation
3. Maintains fresh, vegetal character

For Red Pepper:

1. Fully ripe red berries are carefully selected
2. Brief blanching (90 seconds) to preserve color and nutrients
3. Gentle drying away from direct sunlight

Quality Assurance: Our Uncompromising Standards

Every batch of PP PEPPER undergoes rigorous quality control:

• Traceability: Each package carries a unique lot number tracking it back to its harvest
• Certification: Stamped with the official IGP-OAPI or IGP-EU logo
• Purity: Guaranteed non-GMO, no irradiation, no nanomaterials
• Packaging: Vacuum-sealed, glass, or food-grade aluminum to preserve freshness

The Yield of Excellence

This careful process comes with significant dedication: 100 kg of fresh pepper yields only 25 kg of white pepper. A mature plantation (7-15 years) can produce up to 6 tons of fresh pepper per hectare, resulting in 1,500 kg of precious white pepper.

At PP PEPPER, we believe this artisanal approach where every step is performed with meticulous attention is what guarantees not only exceptional quality but also an authentic gustatory experience that honors the land and the people who cultivate it.

Experience the difference that artisanal care makes. Discover our traditionally crafted Penja Peppers and taste the journey in every grain.