This woody plant grows berries that are harvested unripe and dried in the sun to develop flavour and colour. The oil is extracted from the berries by the method of steam distillation. It is usually colourless to pale green. It is usually colourless to pale green and has a spicy and sharp peppercorn smell.

Pepper has been among the most important spices used around the world for thousands of years. It was even considered precious in medieval Europe. Initially, it was used medicinally and later added to food for its flavour.