To be honest, this is the longest known pepper on the European mainland. The old Romans used it under the name "piper". Adventurer and salesmen brought the long pepper from the Banda islands, which today belong to Indonesia.
Even if the long pepper was three times more expensive than simple black pepper, the demand was really high. The reason might be his particular sweet flavour, which reminds of cinnamon, nutmeg flowers and frankincense. Long pepper contains essential oils, usage should be handled carefully as it is much more stronger than normal pepper in its aromatic power.
Additional we should not try to crumble the long pepper as it will fight back, it should be stamped in the mortar.

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