The Phnom Penh Visitors Guide 62nd

PEPPER 94

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 dis- tinct flavor and pugnacity, intense but light taste with fresh lingering aromas has long been a prized ingredi- ent 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 pepper, 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 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 classic black pepper is allowed to ripen dark green, harvested, dried and ground. Perfect for table use. Red pepper is pre-

pared 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. Bo Tree Local, family owned pepper farm producing organic Kampot Pepper and spices. Guided tours of the pepper plantation are provided and a cafe-gift shop is on the grounds for a relaxing drink and casual shopping. Open from 8am to 8pm; 7 days a week. Farmlink / Kadode 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

Kurata Pepper “Famous Cambodian black pepper grown and har- vested in Koh Kong” Kurata Pepper have successfully been growing and har- vesting 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 Sothy’s Farm A popular visit for pepper lovers, this farm provides free tours of the pepper farm and sells high quality pepper on site. Turn North at the Sothy’s Pepper farm sign on National Road 33 and follow the signs. Open 8AM - 5PM, 9AM - 5PM Sunday. Pepper Road, Kep Tel: 088-9513505

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