Black pepper comes from a climbing vine native to China and India that is
also cultivated in other tropical regions. Many people are aware of the
pungent flavor pepper lends to foods, but are surprised to learn that it is
also nutritious. A mere 2 teaspoon serving provides about 12% of the daily
recommended value of manganese, roughly 8.6% vitamin K and 6.7% iron.
Note: The term "mesh" refers to the coarseness of ground pepper, which can range
from a fine shake to large granules. (The term literally refers to the size of
the holes in the mesh screen through which the spice passes while it is ground.)
The higher the number, the finer the pepper. Similarly, a mesh of 12 indicates a
grind between coarse and cracked.