Cubeb Pepper, or Piper Cubeba, is a variety of black pepper. Due to its protruding tail-like stem from its round body, it is also more commonly known as comets tail or tailed pepper. Predominantly growing in Java and Sumatra, its flavor is similar to that of a combination of Black Pepper and Pimento Allspice Berries. Used whole or ground, its taste, and aroma are pungent, acrid, and slightly bitter with a juniper-like hint. Valued by the Romans, cubebs have a distinct fragrance and characteristic pepper-like flavour. They can be blended with black, white and green peppercorns in a mill or added to dishes instead of conventional pepper. They go particularly well in casseroles and with game, and are often used in flavouring London Dry Gin.
