T
he production of organic pepper is a rigorous process that complies with specific standards to guarantee the quality of the product while preserving the environment. The organic Penja pepper produced by Leonnel Levi Gourmet, the only cooperative to guarantee both promotion and direct sales, originates in Cameroon and is recognised for its exceptional quality, which has earned it a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Here's an overview of the production process, specifications and harvesting of this pepper.
the key stages of production
Production of Organic Penja Pepper
Penja Bio’s pepper is grown mainly in the Moungo department of Cameroon, considered to be the ‘granary of Africa’. It benefits from favourable climatic conditions and rich volcanic soil, giving it a unique aroma. Our organic and local production of this pepper excludes the use of synthetic chemicals such as fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides.
Defining and limiting the cultivation site
The cooperative's land, including our own, is adjacent to and on the volcanic slopes of the rear skirt of Mont Coupé. Our plots are far from acoustic contamination, so we enjoy a crop where the soil is less trampled and organic fertilisers are periodically introduced according to specifications by our agricultural engineers, including those certified by the EU for IPG control. New soil acquired from the surrounding area is tested to ensure its suitability for organic cultivation.
Planting
Pepper (Piper nigrum) cuttings are planted in holes enriched with organic
matter.
Soil preparation
The soil is amended with organic matter such as compost or decomposed manure. Crop rotation practices and the use of cover crops are often applied to preserve soil fertility.
Crop maintenance
Maintenance includes manual weeding and the use of traps to control pests naturally (such as predatory insects). Irrigation is managed to avoid water stress, while preserving water resources.
Disease control
In organic farming, pest and disease management is based on natural methods such as insect traps, plant extracts and crop rotation.
Specifications for organic production
The specifications for organic Penja pepper include a set of rules and practices to be followed to ensure that production complies with organic and environmental standards.
Organic certification
The cooperative's producers must be certified by an approved organic certification body (such as Ecocert) to ensure that all stages of production comply with organic criteria.
Use of organic seeds and cuttings
Pepper plants must come from organic or certified sources, and cultivation practices must promote biodiversity.
Input management
Fertilisers and soil improvers used must be of natural origin,
such as compost, green manures and organic manures. Treatments against diseases and pests must be limited to products authorised for organic farming.
Checks and traceability
Plots and production must be regularly checked to ensure compliance with the organic specification. Traceability is essential to ensure that Penja pepper sold as ‘organic’ complies with standards from the field to the consumer.
Unique flavour
Penja pepper is renowned for its distinctive flavour, which is the result of the region's unique soil and climate conditions (particularly the volcanic soils) and cultivation practices. It is distinguished by its woody, slightly mentholated notes, with a certain minerality all its own. This flavour, combined with its fine, well-balanced spiciness, makes it a favourite with chefs the world over.
Quantities produced
Leonnel Levi Gourmet, as the official promoter of our organic Penja pepper cooperative, we control and guarantee around 20 tonnes (aprox. 20 tonnes) annually, which is fairly limited compared to world demand, partly because of the strict requirements of organic certification and the artisanal nature of its production. Yields are generally lower than for conventional pepper, but quality and added value are much higher.
In terms of volume, organic pepper is measured in tonnes per year, but exact quantities vary according to annual weather conditions, the size of the farms and compliance with organic farming practices. Small-scale producers, often grouped together in cooperatives, play a key role in the production of this exceptional pepper.
Conclusion
Producing organic Penja pepper is a demanding process, requiring strict compliance with standards to guarantee a high-quality, environmentally friendly product. This pepper is distinguished by its subtle flavour and rich aromas, making it a highly sought after product on the international market.
Harvesting Penja pepper
Harvesting pepper is a crucial stage in guaranteeing the quality of the final product
Harvesting period
Black peppercorns are generally harvested between December and March, when the colour of the peppercorns begins to change (from green to red) and maturity is optimal.
Harvesting method
The peppercorns are harvested by hand to avoid damaging the plants. This also makes it possible to select the bunches at optimum ripeness.
Drying
After harvesting, the peppercorns are dried in the sun on mats, which concentrates the aromas and ensures that they keep well. This process generally takes 7 to 10 days, until the moisture content reaches around 10%.
Sorting and packaging
Once dried, the peppercorns are sorted to remove impurities and inferior quality peppercorns. The pepper is then packaged to be sold as whole peppercorns or ground.
Conformity values for Penja pepper
SETTINGS | RESULTS | ASSESSMENT |
|---|---|---|
Fenpropimorph residue | Not detectable | Meets the requirements |
Chlorine residue and rif os | Not detectable | Meets the requirements |
Volatile oils | 3.2 ml/100g | Meets the requirements
(ESA min: 2.0 ml/100g) |
Ethyl ethylenoxide | Not detectable | Meets the requirements |
Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg) | < 0.05 mg/Kg | Meets the requirements |
Humidity | 10.7% | Meets requirements (ESA max: 12%) |
Ash | 1.1% | Meets the requirements
(ESA max: 7.0%) |
Insoluble Acid Ash | < 0.1% | Meets the requirements
(ESA max: 1.5%) |
Microbiology | Salmonella: absent in 25g | Meets the requirements |