Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Pepper?
A: Pepper is a vine that grows along standards consisting of
vertical poles. This vine originating from the tropical forests
requires a hot and humid climate as well as a regulated exposition
to the sun.
Q: How long does it take to grow?
A: A pepper vine starts producing after 3 years. When 6 – 7 years
old, it reaches its maximum production potential and can then be 5
metres tall. A pepper vine can live for more than 30 years but its
productivity starts decreasing after 15 years and is almost nil
after 20 years.
Q: Where does it grow in Cambodia?
A: In the southern coastal Kampot region. The pepper grows along
dead wood standards installed on an elevated plot of land in order
to allow better rain water drainage.
Q: What sort of yield do farmers get?
A: In normal conditions, the variety cultivated in Kampot should
produce between 2.5 and 3 kilos per standard pole and can reach 5
kilos in exceptional conditions. The average density of a plantation
is 2,500 poles per hectare.
Q: What is the difference between
green, black, red, and white peppercorns?
A: Green pepper is the young fruit of the pepper vine. It can be
collected from September to February in Cambodia and is consumed
fresh.
Black pepper is harvested when the fruit reaches maturity and turns
to a yellow colour. The peppercorns are dried under the sun for a
few days and take a black colour.
White pepper is fully mature pepper that has been soaked in water
for a few days in order to dissolve the black husk. White pepper has
a milder flavour and is often used for delicate sauce.
Bird pepper is fully mature pepper naturally digested by birds.
This white pepper is extremely rare and is known to have aphrodisiac
properties.
Red pepper is harvested when the fruit is fully mature and takes a
red colour on the vine. The peppercorns are dried for a few days and
take a black colour with a red taint. This very pungent pepper is
very rare and sought after.
