Black pepper is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit, known as a peppercorn, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning. When fresh and fully mature, the fruit is about 5 mm in diameter and dark red, and contains a single seed, like all drupes High in antioxidants Has anti-inflammatory properties May benefit your brain May improve blood sugar control May lower cholesterol levels May have cancer-fighting properties A versatile spice