Pink Pepper (Schinus molle)

Colin Pearce of Lower Hutt has found he has this beauty - a pink pepper tree - growing in his garden. His neighbour is similarly blessed. I wonder how widespread these trees are around New Zealand? I haven't paid attention to them before.


Their fruits (and those of their close relly Schinus terebinthifolius) are a widely used spice - dried or brined as 'pink peppercorns'. These trees are native to South America, but people have carried them around the world, and in parts of Australia and South Africa they're invasive. 


Note that in New Zealand Schinus terebinthifolius is on the National Pest Plant Accord, however, Schinus molle (which Colin seems to have) is not. One distinguishing feature of Schinus molle is its longer, narrower leaf.  

More good ID photos on google images.

Culinary uses

Pink pepper trees are not related to black pepper trees, but are actually in the Sumac family. Their peppercorns have a mild, sweet taste variously described as aromatic, citric, fruity, and floral. They spice up desserts as well as savoury dishes:
Bake them in Biscotti
Candy them
Poach fruit in them
Crush them into meringues
Sprinkle them over panna cotta or infuse them into icecream.


There's been concern over allergic reactions and/or stomach irritations from eating Schinus peppercorns. So maybe at first, don't eat too many at once. Try a little, wait, and make sure of no reactions.


Medicinal and cosmetic uses
Overseas pink peppercorns are distilled into an essential oil, used often in perfumery as a top note. I have some - it's gorgeous!


Pink peppercorns have traditional medicinal uses, too.

Colin plans to harvest his peppercorns, then dry some and brine the rest. I can't wait to hear how it goes. (And thanks to Colin for these photos.)


If you have pink peppercorn trees growing near you, or have harvested their fruits yourself, I'd love to hear about it. (Also - I'm interested to know, is there any evidence that Schinus molle could become a pest here like Schinus terebinthifolius?)


P.S. Blogger is driving me nuts right now with its crazy ever-lengthening paragraph breaks! Am I the only person this is happening to? Is there something I'm meant to do that I'm not? Help welcome! :o)