Pink peppercorns, or rose baises, are fun to use in cooking, as they add both a fruity, peppery flavor and bold, beautiful color. These berries are grown primarily in the Brazilian state of Espirto Santo, located along the southeast coast just north of Rio de Janeiro. From a small mastic-tree, these little berries are not a proper member of the pepper family. The green berries grow in tiny clusters of white flowers that form in autumn, and become bright red before harvesting. Their name comes from their similarity to true peppercorns in shape and how they mimic the flavor of black peppercorns when cooked. Sweet and mild, they make a colorful addition to many dishes: salads, eggs, seafood, and white sauces. Most notably, pink peppercorns are used in fish, poultry and game dishes, most often to flavor the delicate sauces for these recipes. Since they are too soft to be ground in a peppermill by themselves, they are sprinkled whole or lightly crushed in most dishes.Used as a garnish, they make a stunning color presentation.

Please Note: Not true peppercorns, pink peppercorns are berries related to cashews (tree nuts).