Cubeb/ Tailed Pepper

Cubeb or kabab chini is a spice that finds a place in many Indian cuisines. It is often used for its special flavour to spice meat and vegetable dishes, soups and sauces.

Cubeb is mostly grown in Java and Sumatra, hence sometimes called Java pepper. Dried cubeb berries are similar in appearance to black pepper, but with stalks attached - the "tails" in "tailed pepper". Because of its aromatic qualities, cubeb goes well with meat, cheese and vegetable dishes. It may be substituted for pepper in spice mixtures flavouring sausages, gingerbreads and spiced biscuits.

In taste it has been described as tasting like allspice (pimento), or like a cross between allspice and black pepper. As with other pepper, grind as necessary; ground pepper rapidly loses its aroma. Cubeb has been shown to be effective in easing the symptoms of chronic bronchitis. It is also used for digestive ailments and is effective in treating dysentery. Cubeb also has a local stimulating effect on the mucous membranes of the urinary and respiratory tracts.