Pepper is one of the most widely used spices in the world, especially in the dried form. The pepper plant is mainly grown in countries with a tropical climate, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Vietnam, and Cambodia. But an exploratory study by the Greenhouse Horticulture and Flower Bulbs Business Unit of Wageningen University & Research shows that fresh pepper can also be grown well in greenhouses. WUR is therefore looking for growers or other companies that are interested in this.
The black pepper berry grows on a perennial plant that can reach a height of up to 9 meters. The diameter of the berry is between 2 and 6 mm. After harvesting, the berry is usually dried and then powdered into dishes and used in cooking. However, fresh pepper has a much more characteristic taste. There is also still room on the market for fresh pepper, as this product is hardly ever offered on the market.
A few years ago, WUR investigated the cultivation of fresh black pepper in the PPP 'New safe crops from the greenhouse': 5 different varieties were grown in the greenhouses in Bleiswijk (each with their own specific taste). This showed that the crop can be grown well in a greenhouse. The pepper plant can be grown on a high wire, requires a relatively high temperature, and grows best in a shady environment. Pepper is self-pollinating: the male and female flowers are on the same ear, and the female flowers grow into edible berries.
WUR is looking for growers or other companies interested in growing and/or marketing fresh pepper.
Source: wur.nl