Black pepper is used in all types of savoury, main dishes, soups and salads. Black pepper is the worlds most traded spice! In ancient times, pepper was so valuable that it was often used as currency. pepper's name comes from the Sanskrit Pippali nigrum, which means "black spice". Peppercorns have a pungent, woody aroma and hot, biting taste. Whole or grounded peppercorns can be added to most non-sweet dishes.