Guwahati: In a milestone development, an exotic spice from Arunachal Pradesh, known as Assam Pepper (Piper mullesua), has been shipped for the first time to France. The spice, native to the Northeast region of India, is set to be used to season game meat, offering a unique and complex flavour profile.
JeevAnksh, an organic food company led by Gunajit Brahma, facilitated the export of this rare spice. The peppercorn, resembling berries like Blackberry, is collected from the wilds in the tropical forests of the region.
Assam Pepper is a climber that grows in bunches, imparting an earthy and woody aroma. Its taste is subtle yet intricate, with a slight zingy tang and mild numbness that develops over time.
SpiceMountain, a London-based company, describes the complex flavor of Assam Pepper as smoky and earthy initially, akin to Chinese pu’erh tea. It then unfolds with notes of citrus peel and menthol, accompanied by a gentle numbing piquancy reminiscent of Szechuan or Nepalese timur pepper.
The spice is gaining popularity in the culinary world, with SpiceMountain suggesting its compatibility with fish, root vegetables, and as an alternative to cloves for studding roasted ham or gammon.
Game meat enthusiasts, known for seeking unique and bold flavors, are expected to embrace the distinctive taste of Assam Pepper in their culinary experiences. Game meat, obtained from animals hunted in their natural habitats, is cherished for its earthy and richer flavors, commonly referred to as “gamey flavors.”
Gunajit Brahma, managing director of Jeevanksh, revealed that a client approached them in 2021 with a specific request for Assam Pepper. “It took us about two years to find a reliable source of this pepper,” Brahma stated, emphasizing the challenges in sourcing the spice from the wild in Arunachal Pradesh.
The client in France plans to use Assam Pepper for seasoning game meat, particularly deer and moose. The total quantity exported is 200 kgs.
JeevAnksh, meaning “Ingredients of Life” in Hindi, collaborates with over 10,000 smallholder organic farmer families and serves more than 50 B2B food businesses worldwide. The company has been promoting healthy and organic food for over a decade.
Gunajit Brahma highlighted the difficulties of exporting from the Northeast, mentioning the need to travel to New Delhi for paperwork. The unique spices from the Northeast, such as Naga chilli, Mizo chilli, and Karbi Anglong, have already received Geographical Indication (GI) tags.
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The introduction of Assam Pepper in French kitchens marks a significant step in showcasing the diverse and exquisite flavours of Northeast India to the world.
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