Black pepper is the dried, unripe fruit (peppercorn) of a tropical vine, Piper nigrum, known for its pungent flavor, and used worldwide as a staple spice and in traditional medicine. Native to the Indian subcontinent, it's valued for its complex, warm, and spicy taste, and contains piperine, the compound responsible for its heat and potential health benefits. Black pepper is highly versatile and used in myriad dishes, from savory meats and vegetables to desserts and beverages, and is available in different forms and stages of ripeness.