The dried, ripe yet unripe berry (fruit) of the perennial shrub Piper nigrum is known as black pepper. The plant grows in a spreading vine. Because it is used on a daily basis, black pepper is the most important spice in the world and in India. The taste of black pepper is woodsy, piney, and sharp all at once, with an earthiness that is unique and unmistakable.The strongest and most delicious pepper of all is black pepper, which may be purchased as whole or cracked peppercorns or powdered.