Pink Peppercorn

Pink peppercorn is the dried berry of either Schinus molle or Schinus terebinthifolius, flowering trees native to South America commonly called Peruvian pepper and Brazilian pepper, and is not a true pepper of the genus Piper despite its name and appearance. The small, papery pink-red berries have a mild, sweet, slightly resinous and peppery flavor, milder than black pepper, and are used mainly for their color and delicate flavor in spice blends and as a garnish. Because Schinus species contain compounds that can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to cashews or mangoes, and Brazilian pepper is classified as an invasive species in some regions, pink peppercorn has drawn some food safety and ecological scrutiny.