Peppercorns are a spice that grow on a vine.
The vine, anywhere from 3 1/2 to 6 metres (12 to 20 feet) in length, has a woody stem.
The vine will blossom with white flowers which in turn produce peppercorns as fruit.
Peppercorns start off green, and when ripe, turn red.
To make black peppercorns, the berries are gathered while still green, and allowed to dry and ferment.
Equivalents
8 peppercorns = 1 teaspoon = 3 g
20 peppercorns = 1 tablespoon = 10 g