Black Pepper Grades: Bulk Density, Garbled and Ungarbled
Black pepper is the most traded spice in the world. Indian pepper, mostly from Kerala and Karnataka, is known for its strong aroma and pungency, and it is graded mainly by bulk density and cleaning.
Bulk density
Bulk density is the weight of one litre of pepper, in grams. Common grades are 500, 550 and 570 g/l. Higher density means fuller, more mature berries with fewer light or hollow ones, and a higher price.
Garbled and ungarbled
Ungarbled pepper is sold as it comes from the farm after basic cleaning. Garbled pepper has been cleaned further to remove stems, light berries and foreign matter. Buyers who pack for retail usually take garbled or machine-cleaned pepper, sometimes steam-sterilised.
Size grades
Indian pepper is also sold in size grades such as TGEB (Tellicherry Garbled Extra Bold) for the largest berries. These attract a premium in specialty markets.
Tests to request
- Moisture (often max 11–12%) and light berries percentage.
- Piperine and volatile oil, for pungency and aroma.
- Microbiology, aflatoxins and pesticide residues for your market.
Ground pepper
For pepper powder, specify mesh size, piperine and microbiology. Steam-sterilised powder is often required by food manufacturers.
