Discover the Taste of Tasmanian Pepperberry
There’s something a little bit magical about discovering a local ingredient that feels both ancient and exciting all at once. Tasmanian Native Pepperberry is just that. Pepperberry (Tasmannia lanceolata) is a Tasmanian native alternative to traditional black pepper. The berries have a hot and sweet peppery taste that lingers on the taste buds. They have a totally unique, spicy and “bitey” flavour that cannot be replicated by any other spice. This wild spice has a bold character, deep roots in Australia’s food history, and a flavour that takes your everyday cooking somewhere extraordinary.
At A Pinch of Tasmania, we’re passionate about celebrating ingredients that capture the pure, untamed beauty of our island home. Our Native Pepperberry is hand-harvested, naturally bold, and designed to add a twist of wild Tasmanian flavour to your table. Here’s everything you need to know about this delicious little berry.
What is Native Pepperberry?
Native Pepperberry (Tasmannia lanceolata), also known as Mountain Pepper or Tasmanian Pepperberry, is a small shrub growing wild in Tasmania’s cool temperate rainforests. The dark purple-black berries and their leaves have been prized for centuries, first by Indigenous Tasmanians as a seasoning and natural medicine, and now by chefs and home cooks across Australia. You can learn more about its origin, uses, and botanical background from Australian Native Food & Botanicals (ANFAB), the peak industry body for native food producers.
What Does Tasmanian Pepperberry Taste Like?
Imagine the punch of black pepper, but deeper, richer, and just a little bit fruity. That’s the magic of Tasmanian Pepperberry. It delivers a warm, lingering heat with a subtle berry sweetness and a floral, almost eucalyptus-like note.
It’s not just spicy — it’s layered and complex, making it a brilliant way to add a native Australian twist to your dishes. The heat tends to build gradually rather than hitting all at once, giving you plenty of control when seasoning.
So, how can you use Native Pepperberry? Here are 10 delicious ideas:
Native pepperberry can be used as a substitute for black pepper in both sweet and savory dishes. It adds crunch, contrast, and a slow-building warmth to any dish. It is one of the most versatile bush spices you can have in your pantry. Here are 10 delicious ways to bring its bold flavour into your everyday cooking:
Pepperberry Steak Rub:
Crush dried pepperberries and mix with sea salt, garlic powder, and olive oil to make a bold rub for steak or lamb. Let it sit for 30 minutes before grilling.
Creamy Pepperberry Pasta:
Add a pinch of ground pepperberry to your favourite creamy pasta sauce. It adds a beautiful blush of colour and a spicy, fruity kick.
Roast Veg with a Twist:
Toss root vegetables in olive oil, native pepperberry, and a sprinkle of salt. Roast until golden and finish with a drizzle of honey or balsamic.
Flavoured Butter:
Mash softened butter with finely ground pepperberry and a pinch of sea salt. Chill and slice over steaks, fish, or roasted mushrooms.
Spiced Chocolate:
Add a tiny pinch of ground pepperberry to dark chocolate truffles, brownies, or ganache. It pairs beautifully with rich cocoa notes.
Native Pepperberry Gin & Tonic:
Drop a few whole dried berries into your next G&T. They’ll infuse with colour and spice—plus they look beautiful in the glass.
Savory Shortbread:
Use ground pepperberry in place of black pepper in savoury shortbreads or crackers. Delicious with cheese or pâté.
Infused Oil or Vinegar:
Add a handful of whole pepperberries to a bottle of olive oil or apple cider vinegar. Let it infuse for a few weeks—great for dressings and marinades.
Pepperberry Aioli:
Stir a small amount of ground pepperberry into homemade or store-bought aioli. It’s fantastic with chips, calamari, or grilled vegetables.
Crispy Pepperberry Potatoes:
Toss smashed baby potatoes with olive oil, native pepperberry, and rosemary. Bake until crisp and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Feeling adventurous? Try pairing pepperberry with native herbs like lemon myrtle or saltbush for even more uniquely Australian flavour combinations. Try Pepperberry-Seared Kangaroo with Beetroot Puree, a classic combination that celebrates the best of bush flavours.
Why Choose A Pinch of Tasmania’s Pepperberry?
We believe that something this special deserves to be handled with care. That’s why our Native Pepperberry products are:
🌿 Small-batch crafted: Carefully processed to preserve bold flavour and colour.
🌿 Sustainably sourced: Wild-harvested with respect for the Tasmanian environment.
🌿 Versatile for your kitchen: Available in whole dried berries, coarse grind, and fine grind — perfect for both everyday seasoning and special recipes.
You can also try our Finishing Salt with Native Pepperberry to add even more effortless flair to your next meal.
Bringing the bold taste of Tasmania’s wilderness into your kitchen couldn’t be easier. When you choose A Pinch of Tasmania, you’re not just getting a spice — you’re supporting small-batch, sustainable production and the ongoing story of Australian bushfoods.
Buy Native Pepperberry now and discover the flavour adventure waiting in every little pinch.
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