Spice guide / Cubeb
What is Cubeb?
Tailed pepper berries used in some Mughlai and pickling mixes.
Short answer: Cubeb (Hindi: कबाब चीनी) is Piper cubeba. Peppery, allspice-like. Culinary use only — not a medicine.
| Common name | Cubeb |
|---|---|
| Hindi | कबाब चीनी |
| Sanskrit | — |
| Botanical name | Piper cubeba |
| Family | Piperaceae |
| Origin | Traded in India as kabab chini; declare origin |
| Main producing regions | Northeast India |
| Flavour | Peppery, allspice-like |
| Aroma | — |
| Forms | whole |
| Retail packs | 100g–5kg (typical; see products) |
| Bulk | 10kg+ |
What is Cubeb?
Cubeb (Piper cubeba) is distinct from black pepper. Used sparingly in garam masala variants and pickles.
History of Cubeb
Origin
Traded in India as kabab chini; declare origin
Growing regions
Northeast India
How it is grown
Harvest
Processing
Grades
- Standard: Admin-configured commercial grade
- Premium: Admin-configured higher visual/purity selection
- Export Grade: Only show when export specifications exist for the lot
- Machine Cleaned: Machine cleaned — confirm process for the lot
Only grades that apply to a lot should be shown at purchase. These are templates, not invented industry certificates.
Flavour, aroma and colour
Peppery, allspice-like. . Colour: . Heat: medium.
Whole vs ground
Cubeb is usually used whole. Toast briefly in dry pan or hot fat, then leave whole in the dish or grind. Do not confuse toasting with burning — bitter notes mean it went too far.
Culinary uses
- Garam masala
- Pickle
- Meat
Traditional uses
Recorded in culinary tradition. Traditional use is not scientific evidence of a medical effect.
SpicyCenter does not claim that spices cure, treat or prevent disease.
Storage and shelf life
Nutrition
Cubeb is a culinary seasoning. Nutrition values are pack-specific and must match the label for UK/EU sale. We do not claim that this spice treats, cures or prevents disease.
Buying guide
Tell us the quantity you need, from 100 gm to 1 metric ton. Prices are not published on this website. Availability is confirmed on the enquiry.
