Siem Reap Vistior Guide 59th

C ambodian varieties of pepper grown throughout the region including Koh Kong, Kampot & Kep have been internationally renowned for more than a century as some of the highest quality pepper in the world - its distinct flavor and pugnacity, intense but light taste with fresh lingering aromas has long been a prized ingredient in the finest French kitchens as well as in local cuisine such as Pepper Crab. Most half and full day countryside tours out of Kampot and Kep include a stop at least one pepper plantation. There are a few different farms in the area with a couple not far from the road to Kep. At the plantations, you can see the different growing methods and types of pep- per, and there is usually a shop where you can buy Kampot pepper straight from the source. At the beginning of the 20th century, Cambodian plantations were in full operation and the

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country was exporting more than 8000 tons of pepper annually. By 1960, there were more than 1 million pepper poles in Kampot. But the wars of the late 20th century put an end to production for almost 30 years. Production was renewed in the late 1990s. Pepper plantations once again dot the province. Cambodian pepper generally comes in four varieties - green, black, red and white - all from the same plant but dif- fering in ripeness and preparation. Green pepper is harvested young and usually used fresh in cooking. The clas- sic black pepper is allowed to ripen dark green, harvested, dried and ground. Perfect for table use. Red pepper is prepared the same as black but allowed to over-ripen before harvest. Finally, white pepper is red pepper that has had the outer shell removed which is often used in blends. Farmlink / Kadode

Kurata Pepper “Famous Cambodian black pepper grown and harvested in Koh Kong” Kurata Pepper have successfully been growing and harvesting organic pepper on a farm located at the foot of the Cardamon Mountains since 1997. Their highly sought after Dry Ripe Pepper and Pickled Green Pepper are a must for all foodies. #35B2 Street 606, Beoung Kok2 Tel: 012-842970 La Plantation A popular visit for pepper lovers, this farm provides free tours of the pepper farm and sells high quality pepper on site. Turn at the KM12 road sign on National Road 33 and follow the signs. Open 9am to 6pm 7 days. Bosjheng village, Kampot Tel: 017-842505

The workshop and retail venue selling Kadode Pepper as grown by Farmlink. Great educational information regard- ing the production process from farm to customer. Open 7:30–11:30AM, 1:30–4:30PM Mon-Fri. Sky St, Kampot Tel: 033-6902354 The Kampot Pepper Shop Selling BoTree Pepper grown in Kampot province, this shop has a wide selection of peppers and gift boxes which make great presents for foodie friends. Open from 8am to 8pm 7 days. #46, Old Market Avenue, Kampot Tel: 012-691379

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