Blog

Maybe it has also happened to you that you were crushing your favorite Kampot pepper into food when suddenly you felt a tickling in your nose and an uncontrollable urge to sneeze. Hopefully, you managed to quickly turn your head away, otherwise the salad might have been seasoned with something that was never originally planned. Why does pepper make us sneeze? The answer is piperine.  Piperine is what makes pepper peppery Piperine could be described as the soul of peppercorns. This alkaloid is precisely what causes its pungent taste, contributes to its aroma, and is also the reason for the many health benefits that pepper brings. Alkaloids, that is nitrogen-containing organic compounds of plant origin, can irritate the nerve endings inside the nose. As soon as the alkaloid hits the mucous membrane, it begins producing a chemical called histamine. And it is histamine that causes muscle contraction, which results in sneezing. What happens to our body? The body tries in this way to expel the substance that is irritating the mucous membrane. Piperine is contained in all the colored varieties of pepper. However, its highest concentration is in black pepper. It is interesting that during sneezing we can also observe a very strong flash in the eyes. This is the body's reaction to the high pressure in the head during sneezing. This pressure can also affect the retina, which is sensitive to light. So next time you work with pepper, be prepared for the imminent danger of sneezing. And also be prepared that it will be accompanied either by the wish "to your health" or the phrase: "It's true." While the first custom has its roots in the Middle Ages, when people wished each other strong health during plague pandemics, in the second case people already in antiquity took sneezing as confirmation of the truth of the statement preceding the sneeze. The divination from sneezes, which was practiced in ancient Rome, fortunately, has been lost to history. We can reinterpret that prophecy in our own way, for example: It is true that Kampot pepper is the best in the world. :-) Are you interested in what piperine does in your body? Read another article about its health benefits.

If you are planning a trip to Cambodia and choosing interesting places that should not escape your attention, definitely add Tonle Sap Lake in the Siem Reap area to your list. Tonle Sap, also known as Tonlé Sap, translates to Great Lake and is a true aquatic gem of all Southeast Asia, which will literally enchant you with its beauty. Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in all of Southeast Asia and also a place with one of the largest ecosystems in the world. It is home to a huge number of diverse animal and plant species. In 1997, it was registered – along with its surrounding areas – as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The lake where life pulses The lake truly has grand dimensions. It is 250 kilometers long and 100 kilometers wide. Basically, we can call it an inland ocean. In many places, you cannot see the opposite shore at all! Nevertheless, the lake is relatively shallow, reaching a maximum depth of 10 meters in its deepest spots. Besides representatives of fauna and flora, people have also settled on the lake and created numerous communities inhabiting floating villages. Each is a bit different, but what unites them is their dependence on the lake and its natural resources. The most famous village is Chong Khneas, with a number of shops, houses, and schools floating on the water. This village is already somewhat touristy, but it is still worth a visit. However, you can visit many other villages, just arrange a boat trip on the lake. Keep in mind, though, that it is a trip lasting at least a whole day. When to visit Tonle Sap? The best time to visit the lake is during the rainy season, from June to October. During this time, the lake floods, overflows its banks, and creates a unique floodplain habitat. By boat, you can then reach many incredible places from where you can observe local mammals, birds, and amphibians. In the dry season, the lake level drops closer to the bottom, and some areas are not accessible by boat at all. The villages also do not have the same charm as during the flood season. Are you interested in more tips on places you shouldn’t miss in Cambodia? Then you can happily dive into another travel article. This time we focus on our favorite area, Kampot. :-)

If you have ever wanted to fulfill the dream of azure blue lagoons and white sandy beaches with palm trees at least once in your life, you don't have to head only to luxurious exotic destinations. There are also places that offer equally beautiful sun-drenched experiences at prices that will pleasantly surprise you. One of them is Koh Rong island, the second largest island of Cambodia located in the southwest of the country. White sand and crystal clear sea – you will meet tourists here only a few months a year The island, with an approximate area of 78 square kilometers, could be called a true paradise on earth, moreover this place does not suffer from excessive tourist pressure. You can find a total of 23 beautiful beaches with white sand here. The beaches are the main attraction that draws tourists to the island. The beaches stretch along almost 50% of the coastline. Still, the greatest charm of the whole island lies in the fact that it is largely untouched and offers beautiful natural scenery. What to do on the island? Go on the water, or under the water Besides long hours spent on the beach, you can also spend your time on the island with a number of other activities, including the option to take a boat trip around its shores. The locals know very well which places to show you! If you want the most authentic experience possible, arrange a trip with a local fisherman. If you desire an even more adventurous experience, try to arrange a trip to one of the local diving destinations and dive into the beautiful depths full of life. All the equipment will gladly be lent to you at the local diving centers, and they will also explain what and how so that you can enjoy the depths as much and as safely as possible. When you are tired of the ocean, you can head to the High Point amusement park, which allows you to explore the beautiful natural jungle. You will float high in the treetops, walk on 25 wooden platforms interconnected by ladders, suspension bridges, and enjoy the zipline. It is 130 meters full of adrenaline, which is an interesting addition to a sunny holiday. So, what do you say? When are you setting off? :-) Are you planning to spend more time in Cambodia? We would be happy to introduce you to other magical places. For example, head to the iconic Tonle Sap Lake!

Vegetables belong on the grill just like meat, whether as a side dish or the main item on the plate. To always make them perfect and able to replace perfectly grilled ribs, steaks, or chicken breasts, it is always important to lightly season the vegetables. For this, various dressings, spices, and of course, olive oil are the best. Three basic ingredients If you are grilling vegetables, always have at least three basic ingredients on hand: olive oil, pepper, and salt. Olive oil enhances the taste of the vegetables and also helps release antioxidants and nutrients from fresh vegetables into our body, aiding easier digestion. Always choose extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality. Look for quality in pepper and salt as well. In our offer, you will find sea Kampot salt, which, however, should be used on vegetables only just before serving. If you add pepper, our white Kampot pepper pairs excellently with vegetables – it has a mild yet intense flavor that gives the vegetables the right sharpness. However, you can also combine peppers, beets, or mushrooms with black pepper, which is stronger and more closely resembles the taste of classic meat. Spices Seasoning vegetables with pepper, salt, and oil is just the beginning. On the market, you can find a huge variety of spice blends designed specifically for vegetables. However, you can also create such a blend at home exactly from what you like. It is best to use herbs you grow in your garden and know you have cultivated in 100% organic quality. Most blends are made of dried herbs such as caraway, coriander, ginger, thyme, oregano, or dried garlic. Unfortunately, in most packets of spice blends you buy in large supermarkets, the quality is very low, and they are further flavored with edible salt and flavor stabilizers, which does not make them a healthy choice. Few people realize this, and the seasoned dish then ends up oversalted. Our tip: prepare your own herbal salt at home! Use your garden herbs, dry them, and mix them in a grinder, for example with our coarse sea salt. You will have a final touch for grilled vegetables that everyone will appreciate not only in taste but also in appearance. Dressings Dressings are also ideal for seasoning vegetables. They are mainly suitable for vegetable salads, but you can also use them to brush vegetables directly during grilling or serve them separately. The ideal ones are those that give vegetables a spicier flavor. Olive oil and pepper usually play the main role again, but don’t hesitate to add ingredients such as lemon juice, shallots, garlic, mustard, or ginger. Many people underestimate the vegetable side dish for grilling, but from our experience, we know that after a freshly prepared salad, it just "disappears in no time". Unlike meat, it has the advantage that you don't have to wait for it to grill! So don't wait and use our tips for preparing vegetables – your guests will surely appreciate it.

Sauce should definitely not be missing at any barbecue table. Barbecue sauces can enhance the overall flavor experience and offer chefs endless opportunities for experiments and methods to bring their guests' taste buds to paradise. We bring you tips on 3 basic barbecue sauces that will take your grilling to the skies! Sauces are truly the foundation of every barbecue because they can wonderfully support and complement the flavor profile of the meat. They can season the meat and add something extra. And when something doesn’t turn out well, they can also perfectly save the entire dish. However, forget about prefabricated sauces from supermarkets. Ideally, make a tasty sauce at home. 1. BBQ Queen If you want to stick to a classic proven taste, the ideal choice is BBQ sauce, the queen of all barbecue sauces in the world. For its preparation, you will need 150 ml of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 150 ml of apple juice. Mix these ingredients and add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of chili, and 1 crushed clove of garlic. Of course, at the end, you must not forget Kampot pepper, which gives the BBQ sauce a sparkling character. If you prefer the classic, season your BBQ sauce with black pepper, but if you would like to try new flavors, it will taste fantastic with red pepper. Then gently simmer everything so the flavors combine. You can serve BBQ sauce as a side dish or brush it on the meat during grilling. 2. Pepper Caress If you are an endless lover of pepper, you can try a specialty with our fermented green Kampot pepper. Pour 50 ml of water over it and let it rest for a moment. Then pour 250 ml of whipping cream into the pepper along with the resulting marinade. This creates a delicately smooth sauce, which we can serve best with dark meat, ideally steaks. 3. Mustard Classic Are you more of a traditionalist and can’t imagine a grilled sausage without mustard? Try preparing a pimped-up mustard sauce. You will need 200 ml of full-fat mustard, 50 ml of honey, 50 ml of vinegar, two tablespoons of ketchup, half a teaspoon of black Kampot pepper, salt, chili, 2 tablespoons of cane sugar, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything and slowly heat the sauce so that all the ingredients combine. Then let the sauce cool and serve. Again, you can use it as a side dish or for brushing grilled meat. Do you want to embark on more grilling adventures? Then you’ll find an article we dedicated to choosing the right meat for grilling very useful!

The sun is starting to burn, the days are getting longer, and queues are beginning to form at ice cream stands, all clear signs that the grilling season is slowly but surely approaching. If you are also among the lovers of meat and vegetables prepared directly over glowing coals and want to take your grilling skills a step further, then you are in the right place. Today, we will look at how to properly choose meat for your grill. It all starts with meat preparation Before you start heating the grill grate, it’s good to have the meat properly prepared. Ideally, avoid classic supermarkets and stop by a local butcher who will have meat of somewhat higher quality. If you have a good piece in the freezer, let it thaw and temper for at least half a day before grilling. Take meat chilled in the fridge out at least two hours before grilling. The actual preparation of the meat should not be done without a proper marinade. Ideally, let the meat marinate overnight so the marinade nicely blends with the meat. Also, never tenderize the meat! For the grill, nicely thick and marbled pieces are always suitable. A good steak should not be missing from any grilling You can throw chicken, pork, game, and fish on the grill, but the king of every grill will be a beef steak. Choose a properly aged steak that has undergone the dry aging process, which gives it the right dark red color. At the same time, choose a piece of meat with visible creamy yellow fat marbling. And be careful. Steaks should not be marinated, only seasoned, ideally with black pepper, just before placing on the grill. Watch out for dried-out poultry Poultry is a lighter alternative to grilled meat. More than with other meats, it applies that you should buy it from local breeders. You will be surprised how much the taste of chicken meat from local farms differs from chicken bought in supermarkets. You can grill breasts, drumsticks from thighs are also excellent, as well as whole chickens or halves. However, chicken does not have to be your only choice. Turkey meat also works great on the grill, and you won’t make a mistake with duck or goose breasts either. However, be careful about the very easy drying out of poultry meat and, conversely, undercooking inside while the surface is already burning. If you add pepper, go for white pepper. Pork ribs are a grilling classic And then we have pork meat, which excels in its juiciness. You will never make a mistake with traditional grilled ribs, chops, or even pork belly. You will always make your guests very happy when they see this meat being prepared. Pork is exactly the type of meat that calls for a marinade. Try to experiment a bit, forget about prefabricated marinades, and prepare your own at home, for example, a honey marinade with a bit of freshly ground red pepper.

We have shown you several times that pepper does not have to be just a spice in your kitchen to season steak or sauce. With this magical treasure from Kampot, you can conjure in various ways. And adding it to coffee or ice cream is just the beginning. Pepper also finds its use in cosmetics, where it works great in hair and skin care. Black pepper is rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, and also vitamins C and K Thanks to the presence of vitamin C, pepper is extremely rich in antioxidants and also has antibacterial and antibiotic effects. The oil obtained from black pepper can thus be used for skin treatment, as a prevention against wrinkles, and it also helps to remove pigmentation. Crushed black pepper can also be used as a peeling, helping for example with healing scars and acne spots Thanks to its antiseptic effects, it also aids overall healing and cleansing of the skin. However, it is important to remember that not every type of skin reacts well to pepper. Initially, approach its application on the skin with caution and combine it with carrier substances that you know your skin tolerates well. Take advantage of the beneficial black pepper also on the scalp and to strengthen your hair roots  Black pepper can help with the removal of dandruff, improve hair quality, and even support the growth of new hair. To increase the effect, you can also add a few citrus seeds to the mixture, which also help fight dandruff and refresh your scalp. Keep in mind that it is important to combine pepper with a carrier substance so that the pepper is not too concentrated – for example, with jojoba or apricot oil. Are you interested in more beneficial effects of pepper on your body? Read for example an article about the beneficial effects of piperine.

Krama is a piece of Cambodia that you can always carry with you. Even at home in the Czech Republic. They are worn by women, men, and even children from all social classes. Cambodian silk or cotton scarves called Krama are an integral part of the local culture and a fashion accessory. Cambodians can use them in a thousand ways! It is not exactly certain how the scarf became an integral part of Khmer culture, although historians believe it may be related to ancient ties to the Indian subcontinent, where similar scarves are very popular. However, it is interesting that no other country in Southeast Asia historically wore scarves to such an extent, which makes Krama an even more distinctive cultural heritage. Neither religion nor politics Unlike other cultures where scarves are perceived as part of religion and primarily serve to cover the head, Krama is a completely non-religious and non-political symbol. Thanks to this, this piece of silk fabric can basically be used for anything: from covering the head, carrying children, to a hammock. Krama is even part of traditional Khmer martial arts. During a match, fighters wrap it around their waist, head, or wrist. Mothers, on the other hand, use krama to wrap their children and carry them on their backs. Most commonly, however, krama is used as a classic scarf or shawl that helps protect against the Cambodian sun. How do Kramas differ from each other? Krama was also a way for higher social classes to distinguish themselves from lower ones. The highest-ranking people had Kramas made of silk, and in some cases, a silk krama even replaced our classic engagement ring during a marriage proposal. The price of a krama is also determined by its pattern. Here, of course, the more complex, the more expensive such a piece of fabric is. The production process of krama has undergone some development over the centuries, but it is still purely handmade work involving several people. At the end, a piece of Cambodia is created that you can wear too. And we guarantee it will look good on you. :-) What other souvenir can you bring home from Cambodia? Read our article about the most authentic souvenirs from this fairy-tale country.

If you ever visit Cambodia, definitely do not skip the Kampot province and its eponymous capital during your travels through this amazing country. However, don't be too surprised if it feels like you have traveled back in time and space to 19th century France. That is exactly the impression Kampot can give you. Promenades like on the Champs-Élysées boulevard Champs-Élysées Thanks to its slightly faded but still stunning colonial architecture, complemented by green parks, chaotically run electricity, and its location on the gently rocking waves of the Praek Tuek Chhu river, you will feel like you are walking through the old streets of Paris, where time has stood still. The river is precisely the centerpiece of the town, which is lined on its left bank with beautiful promenades offering views of the nearby Bokor National Park. Before you head into its untamed flora, dive deeper into the town’s streets and explore the town itself. Ideally on foot, or by bike. Gastronomy and art lovers will find their place in Kampot You should definitely visit Old Market Street, which is the main street of the town and where you will find many charming cafes and souvenir shops. The fish market built in 1934, renovated in the Art Deco style, also has its charm. Today it houses a luxury restaurant serving seafood. However, you can also just stop by for an aperitif and admire the beauty of the interiors. The old cinema was given a second chance as well, transformed into the Old Cinema Hotel. It offers the atmosphere of Kampot’s golden era from the last century, as well as a swimming pool where guests can swim and properly relax before their next Cambodian adventure. If you are interested in the history of the place you are traveling through, be sure to visit the local museum, whose exhibitions are dedicated to history. Besides the exhibits, you will also find a renovated museum building that originally served as the residence of the provincial governor. Art lovers will find their place at PiPetPi Gallery, which exhibits works by local artists. On the ground floor, you will find a shop offering various paper products and upcycled jewelry. Many collectible items also await you at a shop called Kampothead, which will transport you through a variety of beautiful items back in time to the first half of the last century, when Kampot was literally a shining river pearl. Part of this charm has been preserved to this day, but it requires some time to see the former splendor with your own eyes. But it is definitely worth it!

In the first part of our miniseries on the scientific examination of peppercorns we introduced you to the discovery made by scientists from the Cambodian Technical Institute. While studying the behavior of red peppercorns, they found that some important substances affecting the taste and aroma of this pepper are degraded when dried in too intense sunlight. So what secret process is behind preserving 100% quality of the rare red pepper? By blanching the peppercorns before drying, excellent results were achieved The scientists' recommendation could actually be that farmers dry the peppercorns at lower temperatures to preserve color and flavor. However, this is a difficult task both technically and time-wise. Therefore, the scientists sought a solution to avoid degradation while still drying the pepper at high temperatures. And they truly found such a solution. The secret is quickly blanching the red peppercorns before the drying process. Scientists found that when the peppercorns are immersed in boiling water, they retain their properties during subsequent drying. During their experiments, they conducted various lengths of boiling the peppercorns and discovered that changes in the matrices and enzymes within the peppercorn structure occur after just five minutes of boiling. The boiling time is very important With longer boiling, the processes inside the grain stabilize and the changes are no longer as pronounced. When peppercorns that have been blanched are then dried at temperatures exceeding 55 degrees Celsius, the degradation processes inside the grains are not as significant as in grains that were not boiled. Boiled peppercorns retain their color better and also their flavor and aroma profile. The scientists' conclusion is: to preserve the perfect red pepper, the ideal procedure is to first blanch the grains for 5 minutes and then dry them at 55 degrees Celsius. The result should be red peppercorns of the highest quality, retaining the maximum amount of substances they contained at the moment of being picked from the pepper vine. Long live science!

Kampot Pepper has literally risen from the ashes in recent years and is once again attracting the attention of the whole world. Not only professional chefs but also enthusiastic amateur lovers of refined tastes have been captivated, as well as scientists from the Technological Institute in Cambodia. Several experts from the Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology have looked beneath the surface of pepper to uncover the secrets of its chemical composition and define the ideal way to handle the treasure from the Kampot region. How to get the best out of the rare red pepper? The subject of their research was red pepper, which is among the specialties of the region. These are fully ripe peppercorns that gain a sweet taste without losing their characteristic peppery spiciness. Scientists were primarily interested in the properties of handling this pepper during its processing after being harvested from the pepper vine. In the traditional process, the peppercorns are harvested and then dried under the sharp Kampot sun. The temperatures accompanying the drying process can exceed up to 60 degrees Celsius. It was precisely the effect of temperature on the chemical processes inside and outside the peppercorns that became the subject of the scientists' research. 55 degrees Celsius is the critical temperature for preserving all aromas and flavors Scientists found that the moment the drying temperature of the grains exceeds 55 degrees Celsius, degradation begins in several important factors that affect the overall taste and aroma of the pepper. The ripe red peppercorns lose their rich color, and the content of phenolic substances and flavonoids, which contribute to the taste and aroma profile of the peppercorn, also starts to decrease. What these temperatures do not affect, however, is the piperine content in the peppercorn, which gives it its characteristic spiciness. Even at temperatures reaching 65 degrees Celsius, the levels of this substance remain stable, and the grain remains equally spicy. The scientific research could eventually lead to an innovative approach to processing Kampot pepper The result of the study could therefore be a conclusion and recommendation for farmers to dry their peppercorns at a constant temperature not exceeding 55 degrees Celsius. However, in such a case, the drying process takes a longer time. Therefore, scientists came up with a solution on how to dry peppercorns faster while preserving their important substances. You can read about this procedure in our next article in the series When scientists look beneath the skin of Kampot pepper.

Maybe you were also fans of the Tomb Raider movie from the turn of the millennium, in which Angelina Jolie played the role of Lara Croft. The famous film, based on an even more famous computer game, was filmed, among other places, in Cambodia. The setting for the adventurous scenes was provided by the Ta Prohm temple, which is hidden deep in the jungle. A spiritual place that breathes ancient life Thanks to the film, we can today talk about the temple as one of the most iconic places in Cambodia. Its crumbling towers and walls are gripped by gigantic tree trunks and their root systems, which gives the whole place a very special atmosphere. While walking through the forgotten courtyards of the temple or inside its shady corridors, you will constantly be under the watchful eyes of stone statues of warriors and mythological beings. In this temple, you will simply feel like you are traveling back in time and discovering a forgotten civilization. Although today the temple has been almost pulled from the clutches of the jungle for safety and accessibility for visitors, its appearance still most closely resembles what its ancient discoverers found among all the temples in Cambodia. Faded walls, crumbling structures, and moss-covered stones that ignite a lot of imagination and desire to explore in you. Now nature rules the temple The trunks and root system themselves are today basically the supporting structure of some buildings that would collapse without them. And it's no wonder, as the temple has stood here since the 12th century. Throughout its history, it was a place for up to 12,000 people who served the Khmer ruler Jayavarman VII. He had it built with the intention of creating the largest temple in Angkor, which he dedicated to the memory of his mother. At that time, over 300 Buddhist deities were worshipped here. This lasted until the temple became a Hindu sanctuary. You can admire Ta Prohm today when entering the famous Angkor. It opens at 7:30 and closes at half past six in the evening. So don't forget to stop by. Are you interested in what else you can discover in Cambodia? In our articles, you will find several tips!Source of the Tomb Raider photo: Austria Forum

The word tea can refer to any herbal infusion or decoction, although true tea is of course made from the leaves of the Chinese tea plant. Tea made from crushed peppercorns, however, is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to soothe sore throats and coughs. Pepper will help you get back on your feet Although it might seem that pepper only goes well with meat, in reality it offers us countless uses. You can endlessly experiment with it not only in the kitchen but it also comes in handy when we are not feeling our best. Pepper is indeed a great natural remedy for a variety of ailments. Today we will show you how to practically use the healing properties of the unique “tea” when you feel that something is coming on, your throat hurts, or you have a cough. The power of pepper hidden in simplicity Pour 250 ml of boiling water over one teaspoon of freshly crushed black pepper and let it steep. To make the resulting infusion taste as good as possible, it is good to flavor it with honey, ginger, and lemon, which also help fight germs. Let the ginger and pepper steep in the infusion for at least five minutes. If you want to achieve a truly strong effect, let the pepper boil in the water for a few minutes. The substances contained in black pepper lead to the release of free radicals, support blood circulation, relieve joint stiffness, and clear the sinuses. If you think pepper tea doesn’t make much sense, remember that it is one of the important ingredients of the very popular chai masala, which is drunk all over the world. You can also try a milder version – let the pepper boil in milk, which after adding honey also tastes very delicious. And if you prefer something sharper, try mixing a few Kampot peppercorns into your drink.

Black pepper is a spice that most of us associate with savory dishes. Who wouldn't imagine it on a proper piece of meat or with creamy pasta! But from us, you can already guess that quality pepper is also a great ingredient for sweet desserts or ice cream. And now we will show you that it perfectly harmonizes with sweet fruit, not just strawberries. The more sour, the better Black pepper perfectly harmonizes especially with fruit that has a pronounced acidity, such as pineapple, kiwi, or less ripe plums. Pepper can add a spicy undertone to the acidity, which slightly grounds and enhances the taste of sour fruit. Perhaps most commonly, however, black pepper is associated with red fruit, especially strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The best way to enjoy this fruit with pepper is to prepare fruit parfaits, or simply sprinkle a little vanilla sugar on the fruit, add pepper, and serve. To soften the flavor, it is also never a bad idea to add a spoonful of cream or a bit of vanilla ice cream. Imagination has no limits - grill, bake, and fry With Kampot pepper and fruit, you can also create much more elaborate dishes. When you enjoy the last sunny rays of the year at the end of September surrounded by falling colorful leaves, try to brighten these moments with a plum cake with caramelized plums and a pinch of black pepper. Very unusual combinations also include strawberries with balsamic vinegar, ideally creamy, and black pepper. Close strawberries with these ingredients and a little fresh cream between two cookies, and you have a great summer dessert that will surprise every guest. And when you grill in the summer, try throwing a few peaches on the grill as well. Thanks to grilling, they become extra sweet. After taking them off the grill, lightly pepper them to create a flavor contrast and add a balsamic-lime dressing that adds fresh acidity to the sweet peaches. And if it gets too hot by the grill, you can cool down with simple popsicles made from strawberry purée with pieces of black pepper. This summer will simply be perfectly peppery. :-) Didn't find the right summer inspiration here? Follow us on Facebook or Instagram, where we also share pepper tips from our friendly restaurants and bloggers!

Pepper is definitely considered a national treasure of Cambodia. However, this Asian country nearly lost its treasure. The rule of the Khmer Rouge – an extremely nationalist organization that committed a true national genocide in the country between 1975 and 1979 – caused not only many human casualties but also the loss of part of the country's culture along with the tradition of growing pepper. Why did the green peppercorns bother the Khmer Rouge so much? Agriculture yes, bourgeoisie no To better understand the motive behind the destruction of pepper plantations, it is necessary to explain why the Khmer Rouge unleashed brutal terror in the country in the first place. The idea of Pol Pot and his party was to establish so-called agrarian utopian socialism in the country, meaning to set up state mechanisms relying exclusively on agriculture and a system of redistribution, through which the country would become completely self-sufficient. The problem, however, was that at that time, there were too many people living in Cambodia to establish such a regime. Therefore, targeted elimination began of those who had nothing to offer the newly created system. These were primarily the upper classes, the educated, whether teachers, doctors, lawyers, merchants, and other professionals. Somewhat surprisingly, pepper growers were also included in the group of bourgeois elements, who were forced to destroy their pepper plantations or, in worse cases, abandon their farms. Decades of restoring traditions The terror of the Khmer Rouge lasted less than five years, yet it was carried out with such efficiency that the tradition of growing pepper almost disappeared. The situation was further worsened by the fact that the southern regions of Kampot and Kep became a refuge for the remaining Khmer Rouge after the regime was overthrown, as they hid in the local mountains. These areas historically belonged to regions with the highest pepper production, and the presence of the Khmer Rouge continued to prevent its cultivation. The situation only changed after the turn of the millennium, when the tradition of growing pepper was revived, and in less than 20 years, pepper once again became a dominant agricultural commodity. Kampot pepper now helps not only culturally but primarily economically to forget the bitter taste of the past.

Although no nation, people, or culture can be categorized, below we share with you some of the most common characteristics of Cambodians as well as some insights we have gained from personal experiences with this country. Cambodia is one of the few Asian countries that still maintains its distinctive character. This is due to the fact that tourism is not so strong here and also perhaps due to the nature of the Cambodians themselves, who have values based on completely different things than career success and a money-focused life. Family Above All Cambodians place their family first, second, and also third, as it means everything to them and their life revolves around it. Families here are truly large. This is most evident during family celebrations when uncles and aunts, cousins, and all other relatives gather to jointly celebrate various festive ceremonies such as weddings or the New Year. Land of the Sun and Endless Smiles Not only at such events do everyone smile from ear to ear. Cambodians are simply happy people – even in moments that do not bring much joy. Their nature is calm, they are kind and caring. This is primarily due to the Buddhist religion, which instills in each of them a philosophy of compassion and care in everyday life. Buddhism, followed by up to 97% of the population, teaches Cambodians to be open to everything new that enters their lives, including knowledge. This is why they love to learn. Many Cambodians live below the poverty line – especially in the provinces where the vast majority of the population has only basic education. However, their curiosity urges them to learn everything new that is available. And with the internet, there is more and more available all the time. Cambodians Value Spirituality Cambodians are extremely superstitious. You can encounter various aspects of superstition practically at every step. Many actions are first subject to small rituals that are meant to ensure their proper execution. One example might be the sacred Sak Yant tattoo, tattooed with a bamboo stick and performed with a precise ceremony during which a special mantra must be chanted for the future bearer of the tattoo. By the way, ask David and Klára, our co-founders, directly. Cambodia is their second home and they themselves have participated in several such rituals. :-) However, neither rituals nor superstition mean that you have to be afraid of Cambodians; on the contrary. These lovers of singing and good mood will quickly infect you with their positive spirit, and soon you will feel at home in their company! You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram, where we regularly share stories about our experiences in Cambodia – and not only about them.

Piperine, also known as Bioperine, is a substance found in every grain of black Kampot pepper. It is an alkaloid that can contribute to improving our bodily health thanks to its undeniable benefits. And it does so in many ways. Let's take a look at the five most common ones! 1. Nutrient Absorption Piperine has the special ability to help increase the body's capacity to absorb nutrients. This means that the body can handle the nutrients we consume much better and extract more from them. Examples include turmeric and the curcumin contained in it, as well as vitamins A and C, selenium, vitamin B6, beta-carotene, and others, which perform the same well-deserved function. 2. Faster Metabolism Increased nutrient absorption leads to improved metabolic processes in the body. Thanks to better thermogenesis, the body breaks down fat cells more easily. If a person consumes piperine for the purpose of losing weight and at the same time follows a proper nutritional plan, this substance can significantly assist in the correct course. 3. Production of Dopamine and Serotonin Piperine contributes to higher production of these two substances, which help overall mental well-being and thus improve mood. Don’t expect miracles, but it never hurts to make your day a little more pleasant with a bit of pepper. 4. Better Memory If you often forget things, piperine can help here too. Serotonin and so-called beta-endorphin play a significant role in memory abilities. Thanks to the higher presence of these chemicals in the body, our brain functions better and its memory is trained. Just don’t forget to have a bit of that pepper every now and then. :-) At the same time, piperine is capable of supporting other mental functions, such as attention and thinking ability. 5. Support of the Immune System Our immune system can have slow but also too fast responses. Piperine can bring the reaction time of lymphocytes to the right level and thus contribute to better health of our body. Moreover, it is also able to reduce stress, which also negatively affects health. Also keep in mind that neither Kampot pepper nor other exceptional and healthy ingredients are saviors of our diet or lifestyle. Although they bring many health benefits, in the case of real health problems it is always best to consult a doctor.

Beautiful Cambodian women gracefully dancing to the rhythm of traditional music are among the treasures of Cambodia's heritage from the ancient Khmer civilization. The so-called apsaras, or heavenly nymphs or water spirits, in their costumes full of gold and colors entertained the ancient rulers residing in temples such as Angkor Wat. Although the Apsara dance is becoming increasingly popular, its roots date back a thousand years before our era. Something like sign language? The dance of the Kingdom of Cambodia is based on Hindu and Buddhist mythology and is meant to evoke the gently floating clouds of water vapor. Women twist their hips, stretch their arms above their heads with unnaturally twisted fingers. The individual choreographies are very complex, and girls learn them from a tender age for a long nine years. By the way – there are two thousand hand gestures alone! It therefore takes years to master it to absolute perfection, and even a slightly different hand movement can change the entire performance's meaning completely. According to tradition, however, the mission of the nymphs was not only dance. Over time, these women were deified, and their task became caring for the souls of warriors fallen in battle. At the same time, they became life partners of divine artists, primarily singers and musicians. The spiritual legacy of the Kingdom of Cambodia confused many a king Although this charming dance is a mythological symbol, it mainly confused mortals. Even kings themselves were no exception. Therefore, dancers also performed at the courts of noble rulers, where they also served as companions. According to some sources, King Jayavarman VII had about 2,000 of these divine companions. However, the heavenly nymphs fulfilled this role in times when medieval castles were being built here, and from the 14th century onward, their role was again only the heavenly dance, whose form has been preserved to this day. So if you ever visit Cambodia, be sure to attend a festival where women and girls traditionally dance the Apsara. You will witness an almost identical spectacle as the Khmer rulers did hundreds of years ago. The Apsara dance was also performed for us by girls from our sister school in Siem Reap The fact that the tradition really continues and girls learn the Apsara in Cambodia from an early age is also proven by a visit to a primary school near Siem Reap, supported by .pepper..field. During the visit, we brought the children sports equipment and school supplies as a gift, and the local schoolgirls performed the Apsara dance for us ceremoniously. Follow on Facebook or Instagram, where we regularly add experiences from Cambodia! :-)

A gift bag that hides a whole range of small items serving as a thank-you gift for a business partner for joint cooperation – this is the color without which no business meeting or media presentation can do. How to arrange for your bag to stand out in the spotlight among all corporate gifts? Practicality Bags usually contain at first glance very useful, but ultimately completely unnecessary items. From various stationery needs such as notebooks and diaries, calendars and pens, to USB flash drives, keychains, caps, or t-shirts with the company logo. Change this stereotype and give your corporate partner, for example, a quality Grinder for pepper, which will last for generations and become a decoration in their kitchen. Uniqueness All classic gift items share one thing: they bring joy the first time, maybe the second, but at the moment the recipient has 15 USB drives, a thousand pens, and a hundred diaries in their drawer, all enthusiasm for what new item appears in the bag completely fades. It can happen that the person doesn’t even take the bag in the end. That is why we decided to lend a helping hand to companies and jointly create gifts that will make their partners jump for joy. Consider for yourself, would you be happier with another pen decorated with a logo, or would you rather enjoy the contents of a wooden box with an engraved name, which is nothing more luxurious than genuine Kampot pepper? Take a look at the entire offer of our gift sets that we can personalize to the maximum for corporate partners. Luxurious Appearance Pepper is always packed in the most luxurious packaging, so the partner clearly sees that you highly value your mutual cooperation, and thanks to engraving on the packaging, they find out exactly who gave them that excellent pepper in advance. Gift Package wrapped in satin black paper may or may not be part of your Package, but what is always present are recyclable and 100% natural materials that are durable, high-quality, and environmentally friendly. Together with fairtrade Kampot pepper, they create a perfect blend of traditional values and delight even for the most demanding design lovers. Discover all types of Kampot pepper and choose the best one, or gift several varieties for a comprehensive experience. With our pepper, you simply show that you are a company that thinks even about the smallest details and with wit and sufficient elegance can express exactly what partners mean to it.

Spring is coming, and with it the well-known spring fatigue, which allows us to experience all sensations at only half power. There are several ways to fight spring fatigue. We decided to create a magical elixir that will inject so much energy into you that even spring fatigue will run away from you. It starts and ends with quality ingredients We put our heads together with magicians Petr and Roman from KOJU, who mixed for us a non-alcoholic concentrate of the best ingredients that will drive away all fatigue from your body, strengthen the immune system, and generally boost your zest for life. The basic ingredients of this magical potion are the power of pepper, ginger, and turmeric. We took the original KOJU Ginger shot containing organic Peruvian ginger, organic coconut water, lemon juice, and floral honey, and added a selection of the darkest red peppercorns with their uniquely fruity character. To maximize the effects of the pepper, we also added a pinch of turmeric, which together with the pepper forms an incredible natural team capable of healing a wide range of ailments in the human body. Are you interested in the taste of true dark red pepper? Try it on its own in a zip bag Package, which preserves its fruitiness and freshness for as long as possible. A natural remedy for fatigue and health support .pepper..shot will help you energize your body but also supports its regeneration. It boosts metabolic activity, helps fight inflammation, and strengthens heart function. It also contributes to building stronger immunity, helping you avoid unpleasant illnesses. A higher vitamin C content creates a protective shield around your body that no bacteria will easily penetrate! And the dosage? Enjoy it in the morning before breakfast, you can energize yourself with it during your sports training, or refresh yourself during the day when you feel your batteries need a little juice recharge. The ideal dose is 40 ml daily, which is exactly one small bottle. You can also take the ginger drink with Kampot pepper on its own, mix it into juices and teas, or use it to prepare alcoholic drinks. Try it and see for yourself. There is no better way to "burn the worm" out of your body.