Photograph — Black pepper vine, Kerala. Source image unavailable; caption preserved.
Wikimedia Commons ↗
Spices, Aromatics & Dried Foods · Kerala — Wayanad, Idukki
Malabar Pepper
Known historically as 'black gold,' Malabar pepper from the Western Ghats built centuries of spice-trade history and remains one of the most recognised Indian spices worldwide.
GI status: GI-registered, 2005 (as 'Malabar Pepper')
Shelf life: 2–3 years, whole peppercorns in a sealed container
Women-led sector
| Category | Spices, Aromatics & Dried Foods |
|---|---|
| Region | Kerala — Wayanad, Idukki |
| GI status | GI-registered, 2005 (as 'Malabar Pepper') |
| Typical shelf life | 2–3 years, whole peppercorns in a sealed container |
| Women's role in production | Harvesting, sun-drying and hand-grading of peppercorns is a major source of paid agricultural work for women in Kerala's spice-growing districts. |
Why this fits a low-wastage SHG model: Whole dried peppercorns are one of the most shelf-stable spices that exist, making them a low-risk staple for a federation-run spice line.
Related products
Photograph — Saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) in flower (representative photograph). Source image unavailable; caption preserved.
Wikimedia Commons
Spices, Aromatics & Dried Foods
Kashmir Saffron (Kesar)
Jammu & Kashmir — Pampore, Kishtwar
Photograph — Dried red chilli pods (representative photograph). Source image unavailable; caption preserved.
Wikimedia Commons
Spices, Aromatics & Dried Foods
Guntur Sannam Chilli
Andhra Pradesh — Guntur
Photograph — Red chilli pods (representative photograph). Source image unavailable; caption preserved.
Wikimedia Commons
Spices, Aromatics & Dried Foods