Organic Whole Black Peppercorns
Organic Whole Black Pepper is acknowledged as the 'King of Spices' and it's history is almost the history of the spice trade as no spice has had such an impact on commerce, voyages of discovery, cultures, and cuisines over the centuries like pepper has.
Pepper is referred to in early Sanskrit writings dating back to 1000BC. Pepper was one of the first articles to be traded between the Orient and Europe and was called 'black gold'. In the middle ages, pepper was a valuable commodity to the point that landlords demanded to get paid in peppercorns. Today pepper accounts for one-fifth of the world's total spice trade. The black pepper plant is a flowering vine that is cultivated for its fruit. Pepper comes from the same family (the Piperaceae family) as hypnotic herbs such as kava.
There are over 1000 species in this family alone. The fruit when dried is known as a peppercorn and contains a single seed. Pepper is native to southern India but there are also native species of piper vine that grow in northern Queensland. Medicinally, pepper is used to increase digestive fire to aid digestion, bring heat to the body and to assist in reducing the severity of colds. Certified
Organic: ACO
Country of Origin: India
Santos Organics is not your average grocery store; it's a not-for-profit social enterprise and environmental charity. Since 1978, we've pioneered the organic wholefood movement. Our stores serve as community hubs where people connect with our team and fellow community members, sharing a journey toward optimal health and wellness. The palpable sense of community forms part of the social and cultural fabric of the Byron Shire and Northern Rivers. Employing over 70 passionate locals, we support hundreds of local farmers, makers, and artisans, promoting the local economy, building community resilience, and strengthening the local food system. Approximately 75% of the food on our shelves is locally grown, produced, or supplied, nurturing interconnectedness and supporting those passionate about clean, wholesome food and sustainable living.
Santos Organics makes conscious shopping easy by sourcing the best organic food and natural lifestyle products. We invest in ethics research through a dedicated Ethics Specialist position, ensuring our products meet rigorous standards before reaching our shelves. Our Care Check process aligns products with our social impact and environmental goals, providing customers with confidence in their purchases. Our commitment to ethical product procurement extends to partnerships with local farmers through initiatives like the Grow the Growers Project. This project helps local farmers establish pathways to the organic retail market, making fresh, locally grown organic food more available and affordable. By incorporating supply agreements and mutual marketing support, we foster connections between customers and the farmers behind their food.
Santos Organics significantly impacts the local community and economy. Over the last three years, our investments in local employment, goods from local suppliers and distributors, rent, and hiring local tradespeople have retained over $26 million within the Northern Rivers. In the past year alone, $5.3 million was circulated back into the local economy through these efforts, supporting over 100 Northern Rivers-based suppliers and distributors. This investment sustains our community's vitality and unique culture. Employing over 70 local team members ensures money stays within the local economy, enhancing opportunities for community interaction and support. Our local suppliers share our vision of promoting creative, sustainable, and healthy product development, strengthening the reputation of the Byron Bay region as a hub for innovation and sustainability.
