CaFleureBon Black and Pink Pepper in Perfumery “Some Like it Hot” + 11 of the Best Pepper Perfumes Draw

pepper in perfumery black pink white green

Black, Pink, White, Green peppercorns

Disturb the rough, dark surface of a humble black peppercorn and get ready for fire and spice with a hint of citrus and fine woods. Peel back the papery skin of the pink pepper berry and reveal sweet, piquant rosiness with just a bit of a spicy resinous bite.

black peppercorns perfume

Black pepper is known as the King of Spices, giving warmth to savory dishes and unexpected fire to fruity and sweet foods. The essential oil of black pepper is similar to the spice with a sharpness and freshness but it should also have a slight citrus note and a backdrop of fine woods and balsam.

portugese illustration black pepper trade 1500s

Portugese illustration: Black pepper trade 1500s

From the Old World, with origins in the Malabar Coast of India, black pepper (Pipir Negrum)  has been the the most highly desired pepper varieties since the Portugese promoted its use in  the lucrative spice trade during the 1500s.  Prior to that, as far back as  the 4th century Pipir Cubeb, also known as Long Tail, Java or Chinese Pepper was cultivated  and used in Asian, Arabic and Indian cultures; it has a bitter, aromatic odor and is seldom used today. Green pepper essential oil is not as complex, having a sharp green spicy note; white pepper has sharpness without complexity and possesses just a hint of urinous musk.

elizabeth hurley pleasures perfume

Estee Lauder Pleasures ad featuring Elizabeth Hurley

From Brazil and Peru in the New World, the Peruvian pepper tree gives us a slightly sweet fruit the size of a peppercorn with hints of rose and resin. A CO2 extract produces the best oil for use in perfumery and is rosy but with sharpness that adds piquancy and freshness to perfumes.  Estee Lauder Pleasures  (1995, Perfumers Alberto Morillas and Annie Buzantian) was one of the first  perfumes to use pink pepper, which was previously considered to be of lesser quality and many have since taken advantage of this uplifting, pink, floral note. Black pepper gives sparkle and a kick to many categories of perfume including  Woody, Oriental, Aquatic (it is believed that black pepper co2 was used in the original  Light Blue for men), Florals (especially lovely in rose and carnation fragrances)  and Gourmands (perfect  to balance fruity and chocolate notes). Pepper notes interact well with musks, other spices and resins– teasing them up out of the heart and base, while adding smoothness to the drydown.

arpege-ad VINTAGEvintage poivre ad caron 1955 pepper fountain fragrance

Right:Vintage Arpege ad and Vintage Caron Poivre ad (1955)

 Black pepper has been used in modern perfumes since the early 1900s and is purported to be one of the 313 ingredients in the original formulation of (1913 ) Houbigant Quelque Fleurs by Robert Bienaimé. Black pepper was one of the secret weapons in Lanvin Arpege by André Fraysse (1927) and Caron's "Urn /Fountain Fragrance" Poivre created in 1954 by legendery perfumer Ernest Daltroff, added  black pepper to Caron's signature "carnation/floral" formulation  and a trend was born…a new perfume to spice up the lady like florals that were popular at the time.

piper nigrum

Botanical illustration Pipir Nigrum

 Black pepper vines grow up the trunks of tree in the humid forests where they get hot sun and monsoon rains. The vine has shiny green heart-shaped leaves that are aromatic and sweet that may be used to wrap betel nuts, a pepper relative. The black pepper vine puts out tiny white flowers in clusters that produce green berries that eventually ripen to a deep red. The peppercorns ripen at different times so that harvesting can take place over several months. Black, white, green (and very rarely pink peppercorns) come from the same plant and arise from different harvesting and processing methods.

Abyssinian woman grinding pepper

Abyssinian woman grinding pepper

For a millenia, ancient cultures used black pepper in their food and drink. Peppercorns are traditionally laid on woven mats to dry in the sun to the familiar black, wrinkled peppercorns. This activates an enzyme that causes the color change but also creates the pungent flavor and aroma, mainly due to piperine and other volatile oils that are created in the process.  Then they are ground. White, green and pink peppercorns are treated differently—either picked while unripe (green and pink) or having the black outer skin removed (white).

pink pepper perfumes

Pink Pepper (in French is known as Baises Rose de Bourbon)

Pink pepper commonly comes from an unrelated plant, a small tree called Peruvian pepper or molle and a close relative, Brazilian pepper (Shinus Species). Both are New World tropical species and are invasive outside their native habitat, producing abundant deep pink to red berries. The Inca used the sweet outer shell of pink pepper to make a drink after carefully removing it from the bitter inner part. The trunk of the Peruvian pepper tree produces a resinous extract that may have been one of the aromatic plants placed with the mummies of Inca kings before they were placed in their graves. Boiling the leaves and bark produces a natural yellow dye.

Le_livre_des_merveilles_de_Marco_Polo-pepper

 Black Pepper harvested for the European trader, from a manuscript (Livre des merveilles de Marco Polo)

Warriors and Lovers both have always treasured the heat and strength of black pepper. When Alaric, king of the Goths, conquered Rome he demanded a ransom of 3000 pounds of pepper. In China during the 15th century all government employees and soldiers received part of their salary as pepper. The taste of freshly ground black pepper is like no other spice and was a revelation to Europe of the 16th century.  It became so valued that it was used as currency for dowries, taxes, and even rents, giving rise to the term “pepper corn rent.”  Rich men would keep their pepper locked up in treasure chests, bringing the peppercorns out for lavish banquets and for paying bribes.  Ancient Egyptians used the peppercorn for embalming, and it is used in many Ayurvedic medicine for cold,  fever, aiding digestion and speeding up metabolism, including losing weight (be careful of too much pepper in your diet if your Dosha is Pitta as it can aggravate your already "hot" temper).

A Victorian advertisement for Dr. Perrin's Medicated Cubeb Cigarettes

A Victorian advertisement for Dr. Perrin's Medicated Cubeb Cigarettes

The Book "1001 Arabian  Nights", compiled in the 9th century, mentions Cubeb pepper as a remedy for infertility, (known as a seed thickener) and included a recipe combining it with many ingredients such as cinnamon, cardamom, and star anise pounded into a paste. Edgar Rice Burroughs was fond of smoking Cubeb cigarettes and quipped if he hadn't smoked so many cubeb cigarettes, he may not have written Tarzan. In the musical The Music Man, set in rural Iowa in 1912, the character Harold Hill alarms parents by telling them that their sons are trying out cubeb cigarettes at the notorious pool hall in the song "Trouble". Cubeb was used in creating Bombay Sapphire Gin and is not often used in perfumery although John Varvatos Vintage, composed by Rodrigo Flores Roux, lists cubeb as one of its ingredients.

the perfumed garden translated by sir richard burton

The Perfumed Garden, a 15th-century text, nicknamed “the Arab Kama Sutra”, was written by Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Nafzawi in what is now Tunisia

The warming effect of black pepper led to its use by the ancient Romans as a cure for impotence. In The Perfumed Garden (a 15th century sex manual) a man is advised to rub a mixture of ground pepper, lavender, galangal, and musk mixed with honey and ginger on the genitals to make them more brawny and thus to afford his partner a “marvelous feeling of voluptuousness.” In a wedding story found in the Kama Sutra, Sugar and Pepper was sprinkled on the bride’s wedding veil; sugar for the sweetness of life, pepper for the promise of joy and sensuality (Editor's Note:L'Artisan Parfumeur's Poivre Piquant is based on this tale from the Kama Sutra and uses white pepper, which seldom used in perfumery and has a civet like character).

black pepper hoodoo witchcraft spells

 

Black pepper may be one of the most common household spices, but it is used quite frequently in hoodoo, voodoo and folk magic. Be careful if someone is following you with a shaker of black pepper; it is used in hexes!  In Appalachia, Granny women would use black pepper in an infusion to help induce labor in an expectant mother because of its stimulatory nature. They would have the mother snuff the pepper or even quill it.  Quilling involved blowing pepper into the woman’s nose with a goose quill, reed, or rolled piece of paper.  This would induce violent sneezing that would induce labor. Mixing black pepper with salt and throwing it after someone when they leave your home will help prevent them from returning or doing you harm. Black pepper is associated with the element of fire and can be burned to rid a house of negative energy before smudging with sage. Black peppercorns, carried with you, can help you summon up the courage to do difficult things. Keep a bit of pink pepper around for its cheerful effect on your mood.

Rich with Old and New World history, pungent, piquant and arousing, black and pink pepper intertwines our love of perfume and food, with our sensual appetites in the perfect blend of passion and spice.

Elise Pearlstine, Monthly Contributor and Perfumer for Tambela Natural perfumes

(with contributions from Kevin Verspoor, Contributor & Editor in Chief ,Michelyn Camen)

Art Direction: Michelyn Camen

For Our Favorite Pepper Perfumes Draw:

etat_libre_d_orange_nombril_immense_1

WORLDWIDE From Fragrance & Arts  50 ml  Etat Libre D'Orange Nombril Immense composed by Nathalie Feisthauer with black pepper absolue

bohemianblack house of matriarch

WORLDWIDE ALL NATURAL: A special sneak preview !!!! 5 ml of House of Matriarch's YET TO BE RELEASED  Black Boheme by Perfumer Christi Meshell which contains both piper nigrum from Malabar and cubeb pepper and will be released on Black Friday November 29, 2013

L_ARTISAN_PARFUMEUR_POIVRE_PIQUANt pepper perfumes

USA and Canada: Thanks to L'Artisan Parfumeur 100 ml of Poivre Piquant EDT composed by Bertrand Duchaufour, with white pepper

jardins d'ecrivains orlando perfume cafleurebon

USA  Thanks to Sens-Unik, the US distributor of Jardins D'Ecrivains 100 ml of Orlando composed by Anais Biguine with pink pepper from Peru

11ml-soivohle-inset

USA  With gratitude to Liz Zorn (for bringing back one of our favorites) from the Soivohle Studio Collection 11ml of Raspberries and Black Pepper with black pepper 🙂

vitriol d'oeillet serge lutens pepper carnation

USA Our friends from Fragrance.net are offering 50 ml Serge Lutens Vitriol d'Ouillet with black, cayenne and pink pepper

poivre dsh perfumes rose pepper frankincense

USA from the lovely Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes 10 ml EDP Spray of Poivre with Malabar black pepper

bangbottle

USA  Courtesy of 99perfume.com 100 ml  Marc Jacobs BANG!  composed by Yann Vasnier with black, white and pink pepper

 natural perfumers guild

 

15mlRiverCaliBottleandBoxonleafy

USA ALL NATURAL  5 ml of Anya's Garden River Cali by Perfumer Anya McCoy with pink pepper

gotham tallulah jane

USA ALL NATURAL  Perfumer Eleanor Nutall of Tallulah Jane is offering 30 ml of Gotham with black pepper from Malabar. PLEASE VOTE FOR TALLULAH JANE IN THE ECOSALON AWARDS BEAUTY bit.ly/1dLler6

Pink-Pepper-adjusted

USA ALL NATURAL From our esteemed author Perfumer Elise Pearlstine  15 ml Tambela Pink Pepper with pink and black pepper

 

To be eligible for our Favorite Pepper Perfumes draw, please leave a comment with what you learned about Pepper in perfumery and list all the fragrances you would like to win (country restrictions) AT LEAST ONE OF YOUR CHOICES MUST BE ALL NATURAL. Please  let us know  the Country you live in. Draw ends November 27, 2013.

The draw is random but we will try to match winners with their choices. If you only wear natural perfumes please note that in your comment.

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

92 ÷ 46 =

101 comments

  • Love spicy perfumes but never realized black pepper is in arpege and that people smoked cigarettes made of black pepper. Love these articles and am going to try adding lots of pepper to my food so I can drop a few lbs. I would love to win Black Boheme, Orlando, Serge Lutens Vitriol, Raspberries and black pepper and DSH poivre. great article and draw. thank you USA

  • I never thought that pepper was used as a currency (Europe 16th century) for bribe and paying rent. This was the most shocking part of this article for me. (obviously I’m not those who read so much history books)

    Kama Sutra part shocked me again. (but not as much) I would never thought of doing ‘that’. Sure it must be tickling. But I’m afraid there must be someone had overdone it before. I’m sure that guy must be regretting it…

    Anyway, thanks for your gorgeous draw again and I would like Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense and/or House of Matriarch Black Boheme (preferable Black Boheme) please.

    I’m in Thailand, so International.

    You guys wrote a great one. It was very awesome to read this. Thanks again!

  • I was interested in the information that a yellow dye is produced from the leaves and bark of the pepper plant. I am wondering if it is a substantive dye like black walnut and needs no mordant to color fiber. I am in the US and would be interested in winning L’Artisan Poivre Piquant, Serge Lutens Vitriol, Liz Zorn Raspberries and Black Pepper or Tallulah Jane Gotham (natural) Thank you!

  • Hoodoo Voodoo ( I like that Elise) 😉 Loved learning of the art of quilling. Interesting concept. I’m with the Warriors and Lovers, I love the heat and strength of black pepper. Great article. Choices…um.. Jardins D’Ecrivains Orlando, LAP Poivre Piquant, and Tambela Pink Pepper. I’m in the US. Great article..

  • Very interesting article. I especially like to read about the different historical uses of pepper around the world.

    I too never realized Arpege has black pepper in it. I must try it on again to look for it. Smelling the opening of Arpege, for some reason, always makes me sneeze. I always blame it on the aldehydes but maybe it’s the pepper? Other aldehydic florals never gave me the same reaction.

    I’d love to win the L’Artisan Poivre Piquant, ELDO Nombril Immense or Black Boheme. I’m in Canada. Thank you.

  • I never knew that black pepper used in original formula Houbigant Quelque Fleurs. And I think pepper very unusual and interesting theme for article. My choise is Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense and House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme. I`m from Russia.

  • I especially liked the section on pepper’s role in folk magic. Think I’ll start carrying around a vial of black peppercorns for courage whenever I need it! I’m in the US and would love to win Vitriol d’Ouillet, Poivre Piquant, DSH Poivre, RiverCali or Gotham. Thanks for the draw.

  • I read an article on NPR about harvesting black pepper in modern times and it hasn’t changed much from your descriptions here; the air drying, in small batches. I’ve worn Arpege all my life and would never have associated it with black pepper! Very interesting read. I’m in the US and am interested in House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme, Jardins D’Ecrivains 100 ml of Orlando, Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Ouillet and Talullah Jane’s Gotham. Thanks to all!

  • I was interested to read about the Inca using pink pepper to make a drink. An idea for tea, perhaps?

    Vitriol d’Ouillet, Orlando, DSH Poivre, River Cali or Tambela Pink Pepper, but they all sound good to me; I’m in the US.

  • I had no idea black pepper was used so early this past century in perfume compositions. I would love to win the new House of Matriarch perfume, and I live in the US. Thanks as ever for the draw.

  • I didn’t know any of this! I love The Music Man but I had never looked up what a cubeb was! I don’t know why I’m surprised that it was used as currency, but I am…I’d just never thought about it.
    I’ve love to win f House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme (all natural), Soivohle Studio Collection Raspberries and Black Pepper, DSH Poivre, Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Ouillet, or L’artisan Poivre Piquant.
    I’m in the USA.

  • I did not realize that pepper was considered an aphrodisiac or a cure for impotance. I would love to win Tambela Pink Pepper, Poivre Piquant, Gotham, River Cali, Bang, DSH Poivre, or Soivohle raspberries and pink pepper. I am in the US.

  • Chapeau Clack says:

    Lovely article! It was interesting to learn how pepper was once ransom and bribe material.
    In traditional Chinese medicine a strong decoction of black pepper is used to cure certain types of stomach pain. It sounds about as counterintuitive as that Perfumed Garden recipe, but apparently it works to balance out the hot and cold energies in the stomach.

    I’m outside of the US and would love to win Nombril Immense or Black Boheme. Thanks.

  • Interesting, I did not know that it is used in many Ayurvedic medicine for cold, fever, aiding digestion and speeding up metabolism. Ha! I think I need to read The Perfumed Garden, great advice for a man, not sure I would want to step anywhere near that….., I have to admit in some fragrances when pepper is used I really do not smell it as a note on its own. I am in the US and would be thrilled to win any of these: House of Matriarch Black Boheme, Jardins D’Ecrivains Orlando, DSH Poivre or Soivohle Raspberries and Black Pepper. Thank you for this fun write up.

  • Loved reading that pepper grew on a vine. I’d no idea. I’m in the US and would be excited to win any of the following: Poivre Piquant, Orlando, Bang!, or River Cali. Thank you for the informative article!

  • The one thing that took me by surprise is Estee Lauder being the first to use Pink Pepper.

    I would love to win any of the following:
    1. House of Matriarch: Black Boheme
    2. Jardins D’Ecrivains of Orlando
    3. L’Artisan Parfumeur, Poivre Piquant
    4. Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Ouillet
    5. Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes Poivre
    6. Marc Jacobs BANG!

    I live in the USA and thanks for the draw.

  • The image of snorting pepper to induce labor makes me laugh. I’m really glad we don’t use that remedy nowadays! I was also interested to learn more about pink pepper, I didn’t realize all the differences it has with the other types of pepper.

    I live in the US and I would be happy with most any of the prizes, but my top few choices would be:

    Raspberries and Black Pepper
    Pink Pepper
    Vitriol d’Ouillet
    Gotham Body oil
    Poivre Piquant
    RiverCali
    Black Boheme

  • tomate farcie says:

    A remedy for infertility and a cure for impotence,, who knew? I love all the varieties and their peculiarities! My first choices would be Poivre Piquant, River Cali, Black Boheme, Rasberries and Black Pepper. I’m in the US.

  • I had no idea that black pepper and white pepper came from the same plant. Also liked the tidbit about pepper being currency in the 16th century. If I won any of these would be ecstatic: Nombril Immense, Orlando, and Black Boheme. I am in the U.S. Thanks for the draw!

  • What a great article! Besides the use for perfumery also to know that it was used to embalm Inca mummies, as a cure for infertility and being currency! Very cool article!!!
    I live in the US and would love to win Nombril Inmense, Poivre Piquant, Orlando and Gotham.
    Thanks

  • Pepper has always been a hit and miss note for me. I prefer the pink variety in perfume, while black pepper I prefer on the plate. That said I’d love to win either Orlando or Tambela Pink Pepper. I live in the US.

  • I find it interesting that pepper is used in perfume for quite some time, I though it woukd be a relative new note. And the tea made from pink pepper sounds good too.
    My choice would be House of Matriarch Black Boheme and I live in germany.

  • I love black pepper in fragrances (and in my food, for that matter) but I had never noticed that white pepper was not widely used in perfumery and of course did not know that it had a civet-like facet.

    My choise is Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense and House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme. I live in Greece.

    Thank you for the draw!

  • I love pepper in a fragrance. It was so interesting to learn about the economics of pepper in ancient times as well as “pepper corn rent.”

    I am from Australia and would love to win Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense and House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme.

    Thank you for the article and the draw!

  • I was interested in reading of the 313 ingredients in Houbigant Quelque Fleurs. Seems excessive 🙂 I was also reminded of Arpege which I have not had the chance to try yet. I liked reading about pink pepper which I think I prefer in perfumes as a note than black.

    I’d like to be in the draw for House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme and Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense
    ty

  • A lovely review !!! Thanks for the history of pepper since I was informed of the so many different varieties of pepper and their use to daily routines in food, in perfume making, in sex life, in medicine.
    What impressed me the most is the value of this spice in such a degree that it was used as means of transaction in commerce and payment schemes (imagine even as dowry!!!)
    If I win I would love to experience the House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme and / or Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense
    I live in Greece in the EU. Thank you for this draw

  • leathermountain says:

    Fantastic. I was especially interested to read about the different notes associated with different pepper oils. I’m intrigued by the idea that there should be a citrus top note to black pepper oil. I’m in the US. I’d be thrilled to win:
    House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme by Perfumer Christi Meshell
    15 ml Tambela Pink Pepper
    Tallulah Jane 30 ml of Gotham
    5 ml of Anya’s Garden River Cali
    Jardins D’Ecrivains 100 ml of Orlando
    Thank you so much,

  • maysamassimo says:

    I really liked to learn that black pepper has been used in modern perfumes since the early 1900s. I live in the US and my choices would be:
    L’Artisan Parfumeur Poivre Piquant EDT
    Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Ouillet
    DSH Perfumes Poivre
    Anya’s Garden River Cali

    Thanks for the draw!

  • This is such an interesting and informative article! I never knew that black pepper was so important in history… voodoo and folk magic…wow! I love the smell and taste of pepper! I would love to win Black Boheme, Raspberries and Black Pepper, or Tambela Pink Pepper. Thanks for the draw!

  • I didn’t know that pink pepper was a different species from black pepper and granny women blew quills into pregnant women’s faces to induce labor. I thought it was to sneeze 🙂 I love spicy foods and perfumes so I will choose natural pink pepper and river cali, serge lutens vitriol D’Oeillet, Orlando, Poivre by dsh, poivre piquant, and raspberries and black pepper. Great article and art.

  • Didn’t know black pepper was so valuable back in the 16th century and was kept under lock and key. Amazing . Using pepper to pay bribes, rent and dowries? If only I could pay my mortgage today in black pepper, that would be great! Didn’t know black pepper was used in the original formulation of D&G Lt. Blue. I would love to win Either Black Boheme, DSH’s Poivre, Gotham, L’Artisan’s Piovre Piquant or Serge Lutens Vitriol d Outliet. I’m in the US. Thanks for the draw!

  • I love learning about the history of perfume ingredients, it makes the experience even more meaningful. I thought the use of pepper to induce labor was ingenious! Necessity is the mother of invention–literally. I’m in the US and would love to try the DSH Poivre, SL Vitriol d’Ouillet, Liz Zorn’s Raspberries and Black Pepper, and Tallulah Jane Gotham.

  • I love pink and black pepper (in fragrance more than food) and thoroughly enjoyed this illustrated history. My favorite so far is thick, gooey black pepper resin ~ it lends a marvelous rich & earthy spice to my solid perfume. I’ve never smelled white pepper extract and now look forward to trying it. Thank you!

  • I learned that I knew very little about pepper! Rent money, sexual aid, voodoo; what can’t pepper be used for?

    In the US and would love Jardins D’Ecrivains Orlando, Liz Zorn Raspberries & Black Pepper, L’Artisan Parfumeur Poivre Piquant, Tallulah Jane Gotham.

    Thanks for the great draw and fabulously informative post!2

  • Never knew black pepper was used in hoodoo, voodoo and folk magic – but now it makes me curious to know where the superstition of tossing a pinch of salt over one’s shoulder comes from!

    I’m in the US and would love the L’Artisan Poivre Piquant, having had a sample of this some time ago. Also the Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Ouillet sounds nice with its three different peppers. For all natural, the sneak peak of Black Boheme sounds great – even mentions the namesake of my favorite pepper fragrance (Piper Nigrum) as a note.

  • What a fascinating post. I’ve really enjoyed these focused articles. Might just have to start carrying black peppercorns in my pockets. I honestly didn’t know that many of peppercorn varieties come from the same plant, depending on how they are treated. Even led me to google peppercorns on the vine. Really interesting stuff. I am not extremely familiar with strong pepper notes in perfume. Wore through a sample of Poivre Samarcande and really enjoyed it.

    I am in the US. My choices are L’Artisan Poivre Piquant, Tambela Pink Pepper, and Vitriol d’Ouillet. Thanks again for the draw!

  • I didn’t know that L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Poivre Piquant is based on a wedding story from Kama Sutra.
    I live in the US. Would love to win Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense, DSH Perfumes 10 ml EDP Spray of Poivre, Jardins D’Ecrivains 100 ml of Orlando, and House of Matriarch Black Boheme.

  • Arpege has black pepper in it?! My mind is blown, I’ll have to resniff that one and keep an eye to the pepperiness.
    I’m in the US and would like to win Nombril Immense, Black Boheme, Poivre Piquant, Orlando, or Gotham.

  • I was so surprised to learn about the history & many surprising uses for black perpper. I will think of it so diferently now when I use it.
    I live in the UK & would like to win Etat Libre D’orange Nombril Immense or Black Boheme.

  • I never knew that the various colors of peppercorns all come from the same plant. I live in the US, and my choices would be Vitriol d’Ouillet or Black Boheme. Thanks!

  • I never think of pepper in perfumes, so this was a great post. I wish I could have smelled the original POIVRE by Caron, as I love the urn fragrances. I was really interested in the difference between pink and black pepper and that they were not even the same species. Also cubeb pepper was new to me and smoking pepper ciggies back in the day was hysterical.
    I would love to win Jardins D’Ecrivains Orlando, first and then I would be happy with any of the other 10, including Pink Pepper by Elise

  • I had no idea pepper grows up the trunks of trees, and that one tree produces black, green, white and sometimes pink pepper. Arpege was my first grown-up perfume. I use the King of Spices in cooking frequently.
    I’m in the USA and would enjoy: Black Boheme, Vitriol d’Ouillet, Anya’s River Cali and Gotham.

  • So that explains it, I’ve been hexed! I should have known…

    Quite an interesting collection of peppery facts.

    I’d be delighted to win any of these, although Poivre Piquant has been on my list the longest. Anything Christi makes for Matriarch is a pretty sure bet, so that would especially interst me as well.

  • I always thought pink peppercorn was like pink whales in that it was one of those imaginary notes that advertisers invent to sell stuff, so it was kind of neat finding out it is rare but indeed real.

    L’Artisan Poivre Piquant
    Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Ouillet
    DSH Poivre
    House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme

    Thanks for the interesting article and generous drawing.

  • A few years back we were growing a small red carnation that had such a spicy pepper smell to it. I was amazed to find that scent in flower where I least expected it. Carnation by Commes de Garcons came closest.

    It’d be real spicy to win one of these:
    House of Matriarch: Black Boheme
    L’Artisan Parfumeur, Poivre Piquant
    Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes Poivre

    Thank you!

  • It was a great article, what surprised me the most that pepper was used for rent and bribery in the 16th Century, L’Artisan Poivre Piquant
    DSH Poivre interest me the most.

  • Orlando is next on my to-buy list, so I would love to win that. Would also love to try Poivre Piquant, Gotham or Elise’s creation Tambela Pink Pepper. I am in the US.

  • Gotham, River Cali, Black Boheme, and Raspberries and Black Pepper sound wonderful!

    I had no idea pepper was used in fragrances… at all! I was aware that it was used in medicine and had been a traditional ingredient for many folk remedies, but not that it was so closely linked to sexual health. I always learn so much from these posts! I’m in the U.S., and thank you for this draw, just in time for the holidays!

  • Well, I learned about pepper cigarettes. That actually sounds quite like an interesting take on a scent for an adventurous mind…a smoke/pepper fragrance with maybe a touch of other spices like cinnamon and fruits like orange or pineapple.

    I’d be interested in Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense as I am a big fan of the house and have several bottles of their other scents. Also interested in Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Ouillet Natural wise, I’d be interested in trying perfumer Elise’s Tambela. Thanks for the draw.

  • It’s always thrilling to learn the medicinal and traditional uses of a plant that adds to the potency of its scent. I didn’t realize that green, pink, and black pepper all came from the same vine. Reading about the many uses of pepper for protection, fire, and magic, it makes sense that pepper is both the perfume of the “warrior and the lover.” I wear natural perfumes so would love to win Eliste Perlstine’s Tambela Pink Pepper or House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme.

  • Besides learning why the difference in the latin name between pink and black pepper I was very interested to find out that in the The Book “1001 Arabian Nights”, pepper along with cinnamon, cardamom and star anise would be used as a remedy for infertility. Good job on the article. I’m always so fascinated by what I learn. Thanks for the draw. I’m international and it looks like all the natural choices are for just the USA–but if I could choose it would be Anya’s Garden River Cali and Tambela’s Pink Pepper. I’d also like to put my hat in the ring for Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense, Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Ouillet and L’Artisan Parfumeur Poivre Piquant. Thanks.

  • I liked learning about the Kama Sutra wedding story in which pepper was used on a bride’s veil for joy and sensuality. Pepper in perfumery does often bring about those feelings. Thank you for this draw. I would love to win:

    L’Artisan Parfumeur 100 ml of Poivre Piquant EDT
    50 ml Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Ouillet
    ALL NATURAL: House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme

  • I am from the US

    I liked learning about the Kama Sutra wedding story in which pepper was used on a bride’s veil for joy and sensuality. Pepper in perfumery does often bring about those feelings. Thank you for this draw. I would love to win:

    L’Artisan Parfumeur 100 ml of Poivre Piquant EDT
    50 ml Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Ouillet
    ALL NATURAL: House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme

  • Pepper – black, green or pink – such a wonderful perfume note! I love them all. This was so fun to write, thanks everyone for reading!

  • Wonderful job Elise!
    It was so interesting to read how valuable peppercorns were historically – that 15th century Chinese government workers actually received them as part of their salary!

    Thank you for the draw – I’d be thrilled to win Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense, House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme, or L’Artisan Parfumeur Poivre Piquant. I’m in Canada.

  • Love these articles by Elise! I hadn’t realized Pleasures was one of the first to use pink pepper. It was fascinating to read about the use of pepper to induce labour and the practice of “quilling.”
    I’m in Canada so my choices would be:
    L”Artisan Poivre Piquant
    House of Matriarch Black Boheme (all natural)
    Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense

    Thanks for the draw opportunity.

  • Very informative and interesting article! It’s intriguing how many uses pepper has had throughout history. Since pepper does, indeed, have a “warming effect,” it makes sense that the ancient Romans used it to treat impotence. I don’t know about rubbing a black pepper mixture on a man’s genitals, though; seems kind of risky! If done properly, though, maybe that “marvelous feeling of voluptuousness,” would be worth it. I am in the U.S. and would love to win:

    50 ml Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Ouillet
    Jardins D’Ecrivains 100 ml of Orlando
    ALL NATURAL House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme

  • helical gnome says:

    Oh gosh, I am sorry!!! I typed my answer to this post in the wrong article. My excuses
    I was saying I found really interesting how the Romans used black pepper for impotence. I’d love to try Poivre Piquant, Raspberries and Black Pepper and all natural Black Boheme
    I am in the USA
    Thanks

  • I love these articles on ingredients in perfume. This one was especially interesting. I was interested to learn that pepper is used in ayurvedic medicine. The random connection to the Music Man movie was funny. I am in the US and would love to win
    SL Vitriol d’Ouillet
    Jardins D’ Ecrivans Orlando
    L’ARtisan Poivre Piquaint
    Tambella Pink Pepper
    Black Boheme
    DSH Poivre

  • I love learning new things, “Black peppercorns, carried with you, can help you summon up the courage to do difficult things.” I am in the US and if I were lucky enough to win, I would love SL Vitriol, Orlando, and Gotham.

  • I learned something about pink pepper for it is not very common where I live. I expected it to be from Asia, but it seems that I am wrong.

    I would like to win Nombirl Immens and Black Boheme. I live outside US.

  • Great sum-up, very informative. I didn’t know the essential oil of black pepper, has a slight citrus note .

    Thanks a lot for the draw- as I live in Israel, I would choose the House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme by Perfumer Christi Meshell

  • I love pepper in my food, tea and perfume. I always buy and drink Ayuvedic tea which is very spicy and has a lot of pepper in it. I’ve learned a lot about pepper. For instance I didn’t know that it was used as a sort of currency, or that the bark and leaves can be used to make yellow pain and that it was used to cure impotency and so on…..

    I live in the Netherlands and I would love to tryHouse of Matriarch Black Boheme.

  • Great article! I love that the warming effect of black pepper led to its use by the ancient Romans as a cure for impotence 🙂
    I would love to try many of these scents including the new Black Boheme, Soivohle’s Raspberries and Black Pepper and ELdO’s Nombril Emmense.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    it doesnt come as a surprise black pepper has its origins in India because few indian spicy dishes are made without it. But the greatest surprise is the inclusion of pepper in Arpege. I have vintage arpege extrait and could never have guessed it has pepper.

    my choices are

    1. L’Artisan Poivre Piquant
    2. Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Ouillet
    3. Tallulah Jane Gotham

    I am based in the US

  • Beautiful article once again and very informative but calling white pepper “slightly urinous” is an understatement. I would go as far as fecal and it is the only kind I can’t stand while I love even cubeb (I guess that the fact that Bombay Saphire is my favorite drink is no coincidence)! I had no idea that the black pepper plant can produce pink corns and also I am surprised to see all these beautiful perfumes that feature the note. I would add Elise’s Rose of Cimarron in this fine company.

    I am an international reader so my two obvious choices would be

    ELdO’w Nombril Emmense or
    House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme

  • I didn’t know that the Inca using pink pepper to make a drink. 🙂
    Choices: Nombril Immense, Black Boheme (Europe)

  • I never realized that black pepper as a perfume note goes back so far historically into our olfactory imagination. I had always thought it was a modern turn…and it’s not. I’d be thrilled to explore any of these scents (if it matters, I’m in the US). Thank you for all you do for perfume…

  • What didn’t I learn ?
    The difference between pink and black pepper growing on different continents Edgar rice Burroughs smoking cubeb pepper cigarettes to write Tarzan Pepper used instead of money to pay soldiers All fascinating I would love to win Orlando Black Boheme Gotham Serge Lutens vitriol d oeuillet Poivre Raspberries and black pepper Poivre piquant USA So thoroughly researched and well written Thank you and all the sponsors.

  • I learned rich men kept pepper locked up in treasure chests. USA
    Would like to win Poivre Piquant, Orlando or Tambela Pink Pepper.

  • I didn’t realize how different pepper from India and from China are. Or that it used to be used as currency in ancient times. I knew some other spices were, but I guess pepper always just seemed so abundant.

    I’d love to win (a big long list bc I love pepper):
    Black Boheme by Perfumer Christi Meshell
    Tallulah Jane Gotham
    DSH Poivre
    Poivre Piquant

    Thank you so much for our monthly education!

    I am in the US.

  • wefadetogray says:

    It’s difficult to answer these kind of questions after such informative articles. I learned a lot since I didnt know much, or anything actually, about pepper, besides the fact I like it a lot on my food. Something that stood up to me was that pepper is used in black magic. Pepper mixed with salt prevents harm? These things to me are just amazing. I was raised in Latin America and the fear of black magic is genuine.
    I am in the US and I’d love to try Poivre Piquant and Black Boheme.
    Thanks!

  • These articles are the best!!From historical facts, stories, myths, scientific facts, most are new to me!!! And the perfumes offered are real treats! The currency fact was the most interesting to me!! I would love to win either the ELdO or the Matriarch set as I live in London!

  • I was most intrigued by the different aromatic facets of different kinds of pepper. I think I remember being told that Pink Pepper is not actually a pepper – and ever since I’v wondered at its ‘peppery’ smell, but this article has cleared that confusion. Also, now that the rosy floral facet of pink pepper has been noted I’v realized that that is something I have also been dimly aware of but would not have been able to articulate myself. It’s like I sensed that pink rosiness but would not have actually linked it, conceptually to rose…

    If that makes any sense!

    I live in South Africa and would love to win either Black Boheme or Nombril immense:)

  • I had no idea that pepper grew on vines (I think I had a vague idea of bushes), or that there were several different species. Great article, very informative. I tend to be wary of pepper in perfume, as it can be overwhelming, but I’ve read good things about Orlando, and River Cali sounds lovely, too. I’m in the US.

  • I really love spicy florals woody fragrance and am excited about learning about pepper in perfumery
    Kama Sutra, perfumed garden, voo doo hexes, as well as the history of its use in arpege.My mom wore that and there was a little spiciness to it.

    I would love to win
    gotham (natural)
    orlando
    black boheme (natural)
    serge lutens vitriol
    poivre
    raspberries and black pepper
    USA reader

  • My fav. is the black pepper in a fragrance. I agree it lends that citrus touch to a fragrance and definetly perks up the dull blend and a smooth drydown. I have had owned Lanvin Arpege and I never got the harshness of the pepper that goes to show how pepper spiced up the jasmine and aldehydes while never making the appearance and hence a “secret weapon” in Arpege.
    I would love to get my hands on
    Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Ouillet OR
    Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense OR
    L’Artisan Parfumeur Poivre Piquant OR
    Tambela Pink Pepper
    USA
    Thanks

  • I thought I’d heard everything about herbals and spices in pregnancy, but I had no idea it can be used to stimulate labor by quilling it into the noses to start sneezing fits to get the job done! You learn something new every day, and Elise’s research always fascinates.

    I would love to win the following:

    Elise Pearlstein’s Tambela Pink Pepper
    L’artisan Parfumeur Poivre Piquant
    DSH Poivre
    Serge Lutens Vitriol d’Ouillet
    Soivohle Raspberries and Black Pepper
    Etat Libre d’Orange Nombril Immense
    Jardins d’Ecrivains Orlando
    House of Matriarch Black Boheme

  • I love the idea of Edgar Rice Burroughs being inspired to write “Tarzan” from smoking cubeb cigarettes! Great anecdote! I live in the U.S., and if lucky enough to win, these are my choices in order: Orlando; Gotham; Raspberries & Black Pepper; Bang!; and Tambela Pink Pepper. Thanks again for a lovely story and great draw!

  • So that is where the term ‘peppercorn rent’ comes from! i will never look at pepper with the same eyes again! International reader here so I would love to win either Nombril Immense or Black Boheme! Thanks for the draw!

  • I adore pepper in all its permutations: in cookery, candles, perfume. I was quite surprised to see pepper was a note in Quelque Fleurs — I had no idea there was any spice hiding amongst all those heady flowers!

    Would love to win: SL Oeillet, L’Artisan Poivre, Tallulah Jane Gotham, Liz Zorn Raspberries and Pepper or House of Matriarch Black Boheme.

  • A most fascinating article, and probably the first time that I have read one believing that I would come away only with fresh ideas for a new blend, and instead came away both highly informed and rather hungry as well. I loved reading about one of my most favorite spices, and learning a few new things about its various uses over history. I am from the US, and would like the Poivre Piquant if picked, or the River Cali. Thanks again for the great article!

  • Interesting article on pepper! Next time I’ll have a pepper/salt mixture at hand when an unsavoury subject is leaving my house.
    I live in the EU and would love to win Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense or House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme.
    Thanks for the draw!

  • I love pepper and pepper scents–especially Caron Poivre–but was surprised at how little I really knew about pepper. Like that pink pepper is completely unrelated and from South America, Cubeb pepper (?) was apparently smoked, I guess like clove cigarettes, Also that it’s a vine, and that it’s been used in perfume since the early 1900s.

    Strangest bit: people sometimes rubbed pepper on their bodies (wouldn’t that get tingly or weird?).
    Weirdest fact was ‘quilling’–using pepper to induce labor through sneezing. Wow. Think I’d much rather eat it or wear it, not inhale it.

    Thank you for the article and the draw!
    My top two picks would be House of Matriarch Black Boheme and Anya’s Garden River Cali.
    But I’d like to try anything else–Tambela Pink Pepper, DSH Poivre, Tallulah Jane Gotham, Vitriol D’Oeillet, Orlando, Raspberries and Black Pepper, Poivre Piquant, or Nombril Immense.

  • What didn’t I learn! This was a very fascinating article. Had never heard of cubeb cigarettes. Surprised to learn Pleasures was one of the first perfumes to use pink pepper. I am in the US and the only peppery fragrance listed I have is BANG! which was one of my best blind buys ever.
    Would love to win House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme, L’Artisan’s Poivre Piquant. Serge Luten’s Vitriol d’Ouillet or Tambela Pink Pepper.

  • I learned that pepper was currency and that it’s used in magic
    I would love to win
    Gotham
    Poivre piquant
    Orlando
    Poivre
    Raspberries and pepper
    Lovely!

  • Fun article full of interesting history about pepper and many of its less known uses. I wonder how many women had the shock of their life after their partner had mixed up the pepper paste and rubbed it on his genitals before sex? Of course, I’m sure it was a bit shocking for the man too! Lol 
    I’m in the USA. I would love Jardins D’Ecrivains 100 ml of Orlando or Tallulah Jane’s 30 ml of Gotham 

  • It seems that different types of pepper can be counted on to give life to any perfume. I never thought pepper was so versatile in this respect. Whether to round out or give sparkle, the humble pepper performs these almost magical tasks regarding perfumes and food.

    I remember when I was young, my mother dosing me with a teaspoon of her homemade black pepper tincture whenever I had a tummy ache. It worked every time.

    Would love to win: Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense, House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme or L’Artisan Parfumeur Poivre Piquant
    BUT especially Black Boheme because I prefer naturals.

    I’m from Canada.

  • Edgar Rice Burroughs smoked Cubeb peppers. =\
    Would welcome Poivre Piquant, Orlando or Black Boheme. USA

  • I was interested in hearing how the pepper is grown and the medicinal properties. My choices would be

    Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense
    House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme
    L’Artisan Parfumeur Poivre Piquant

    I’m in Canada.

  • Pepper as a diet aid? Upon more research, it is true, ingesting this pungent-tasting substance can block the formation of new fat cells. Sprinkle forth the piperine!

    Cubeb cigarettes? I never imagined pepper could be smoked, much less the smoke enjoyed! Might pepper also be added to inscense to balance it and heighten spicy/earthy lightness?

    And since so many perfumes, either commercial or artisanal, have some rose at their heart, I suspect there is a touch of complimentary pepper there too in most of them.

    House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme would be my top choice although experiencing Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense or L’Artisan Parfumeur Poivre Piquant would be just as terrific.

    Another Canadian.

  • I found very interesting the different aromatic facets of the different kinds of pepper. I didn’t know that pink pepper is an unrelated plant!
    I live in Spain and I would choose:
    Etat Libre D’Orange Nombril Immense
    House of Matriarch’s Black Boheme

  • i didn’t know that black peppercorns are dried in order to activate an enzyme that gives flavor and aroma because of oils created in that process. If a winner, My choices would be: Black Boheme (House of Matriarch), Poivre Piquant (L’Artisan), Orlando (Jardins D’Ecrivains), Vitriol d’Ouillet (Serge Lutens), River Cali (Anya’s Garden), Pink Pepper (Tambela). I am in the USA.

  • I had no idea that black pepper has baan used in folk magic as well as perfumery. I would love to win any of the natural perfumes. I’m trying to stick with all-natural perfumes, and it’s exciting how many new ones are out there these days!

  • Chris Schaefer says:

    I love Elise’s articles. They are always so informative and give us a historical view as well as a review of a fragrance. I love pepper as an ingredient in perfume; it adds so much.

    My top three choices would be Tambela Pink, Black Boheme and Gotham. What fun and thank you so much! I am in the US.

  • Interesting how the secret ingredient in Lavin Arpege was pepper. Just like in foods, pepper as flavor and spiciness that often times enhances the smell and taste gives perfume a similar effect. I believe that pepper in perfumery must be balanced properly to give it harmony instead of just throwing it in as an ingredient.

    Nombril Immense
    Poivre Piquant
    Orlando
    Rasberries and black pepper
    Vitriol d’Ouillet
    Gotham
    Tambela Pink Pepper

    USA

  • This is very interesting article. I found many facts I didn’t know as the Inca made a drink from outer shell of pink pepper. Pepper in Arpege is also a new fact for me just as Cubeb cigarettes that Burroughs smoked. As international reader, I’d like to win Nombril Immense or Black Boheme.

  • Thank you for the article! I didn’t know that the black pepper was so valuable in past, and used even as a salary. Very interesting!

    USA.
    I’d love to win and get
    House of Matriarch’s YET TO BE RELEASED
    Anya’s Garden River Cali
    DSH Perfumes 10 ml EDP Spray of Poivre

  • Sarah Lathrop says:

    I like the idea of burning black pepper to rid the house of negativity… sounds like a good idea! This article was very interesting and makes me want to look into cubeb pepper more. I do have a sample of Caron Poivre and this makes me want to re-sniff it.
    I live in the U.S. and would love to smell any of the following: Etat Libre d’Orange: Nombril Immense, House of Matriarch: Black Boheme, Jardins D’Ecrivains: Orlando, Serge Lutens: Vitriol d’Ouillet, DSH: Poivre, Anya’s Garden: River Cali, Tallulah Jane: Gotham or Tambela: Pink Pepper.
    Thanks so much for offering these lovely prizes!