Black Pepper Known as the "King of Spices," black pepper is made from dried, unripe berries of the pepper plant. The berries (peppercorns) are small, round, and black with a wrinkled surface. It has a sharp, pungent flavor with a hint of heat and a warm, woody aroma. Widely used across the world in seasoning, spice blends, soups, marinades, and curries.