The production of pepper of this quality is demanding and labor intensive. The various stages of production are supervised by Parameswaran, the owner of the small plantation in the Wynad District of Kerala, an area which has long been accepted as producing the finest quality of pepper in India-if not the world.

Generally, pepper berries are ready for harvesting between late January and March; for ordinary commercial purposes it is customary to pick the berries green before they ripen. However, Parameswaran's pepper is a special quality, as the berries, instead of being picked green have been left to ripen fully. At this stage they are much more difficult to harvest, as each vine (which may grow up to 30 to 40 feet) requires up to a dozen pickings as the berries ripen. But the extra time and trouble taken is fully justified by the increased range and intensity of flavor. This "ripened" pepper, which has been organically grown without chemicals or artificial fertilizers, is of a very special quality and is, of necessity, in small supply since it is grown on a single estate.

All the profit from sales goes back to the plantation, and a proportion of this is used for the benefit of the workers there.We are offering Parameswaran's peppercorns preserved on the vine. To enjoy, gently snap the peppercorns from the vine and grind or crush to desired texture.

Each bot contains approximately 1.3oz. or 36gr.