Any good cook knows that the key to delicious food is in the spices. A pinch of this, a dash of that, and even the most mundane dish can become something spectacular. Not all spices are created equal, however. The best seasonings are straight from the earth—and are usually organic and non-GMO.

At Thrive Market, those are exactly the sort of natural spices we sell. We’re dedicated to bringing you the highest quality products at a discount while maintaining our commitment to sustainability and social justice. The quality of our spices is no small part of that equation, and that’s why we don’t compromise our values, even on something as basic as pepper.

Dragon-guarded pepper pits: Black pepper’s origins

Though today black pepper can be found anywhere in the world,it originated in southwest India in the province of Kerala. As the spicy dishes became more known and desirable, traders began concocting elaborate stories to convince buyers that pepper was a precious commodity and extremely hard to obtain. After all, a trader should be well compensated for daring to venture into a fictitious dragon-guarded pepper pit.

So many uses, indoors and out

Ward off garden pests

A garden not only needs to be watered and exposed to sunlight—but it also needs to be protected. Luckily, pepper offers an easy deterrent. If you have trouble keeping animals out of your garden, pepper is a safe and effective way to protect your delicate produce.

Exfoliate

Dead skin cells can build up over time and take away the vibrancy of your complexion. But it’s okay, the solution is as close as your spice rack. Add some ground black pepper to your morning routine, and your face just might thank you. Buff away dead skin cells with black pepper by using it as a facial scrub.

Clear up a sinus infection

A sinus infection: You can’t breathe, you can’t sleep, your head is pounding, your nose is dripping, your ears hurt… the list goes on. You definitely don’t want to let a sinus infection get out of control without seeing your doctor, but black pepper can help clear up the mucus in the meantime. Use black and cayenne peppers in hot soups so your nose can run incessantly. This will help your body rid the bacteria and mucus, providing some relief to your sickness.

Cooking with black pepper

Zucchini Pizza Boats

You probably won’t have any trouble finding uses for your black pepper, but if you’re looking for a recipe that uses black pepper, you might give Zucchini Pizza Boats a try. Start by halving and carving three medium zucchinis. Roast them with salt and olive oil for a few minutes, and then fill with sautéed garlic, tomatoes, basil, and as much pepper as you would like. Cover your zucchini boats with mozzarella, bake a little more, and when the cheese is melted they’re ready to pull out of the oven.

Zucchini Noodle Cacio e Pepe Recipe

This healthy twist features zucchini noodles as the base for a simple combination of ingredients like sharp, salty sheep’s milk cheese and bright and spicy freshly ground pepper. This dish is minimal, but magical, and completely vegetarian. Start by using a spiralizer to create long, thin zucchini noodles. Then heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté zucchini noodles for 2 minutes, until slightly tender. Turn off the heat, stir in Pecorino cheese and black pepper until all the noodles are fully coated, then serve immediately.

More about Thrive Market products

At Thrive Market, our mission is to bring you the highest quality organic goods at truly affordable prices. That's why we've gone directly to the source to develop our own line of premium products made from the very best all-natural ingredients at a fraction of the usual price.

Finally, you don't need to choose between cost and quality, taste and health, value and your values. If it has the Thrive Market seal, you can trust that you're getting the highest quality product possible at the best price anywhere. Shop our premium, organic, and fair-trade certified virgin coconut oil, spices, nuts and dried fruit, tomato sauces, ghee, and sprouted grains today!