Question

King of spices is
A. Brassica nigra
B. Piper nigrum
C. Piper longum
D. Curcuma longa

Answer 1

Hint: The Piperaceae is also known as the pepper family and it belongs to the Kingdom Plantae. They are a large family of flowering plants. Piper and peperomia are two genera where the majority of the peppers are available.

Complete answer: Brassica nigra is also known as the black mustard. It belongs to the family of Brassicaceae. The plant is cultivated annually for its black and dark seeds. These seeds are commonly referred to as spice. The plant has large stalked leaves and is upright in nature. While the plant has bristled at the base, it has a smooth stem. It is generally grown in North Africa and in the temperate regions of Europe and parts of Asia.
-Piper longum is also known as the long pepper or pipli. It belongs to the family of Piperaceae. It is a flowering vine and is cultivated for its fruit. The fruit is eventually dried and used as a spice and seasoning.
-Curcuma longa or ginger is a flowering plant and belongs to the family of Zingiberaceae. It is used as a flowering agent in many cuisines of Asia.
-Black pepper or Piper nigrum is cultivated for its fruit which is known as a peppercorn. It belongs to the family of Piperaceae. After being dried, it is used as a spice and for seasoning. They produce peppercorns and ground pepper and are simply defined as pepper or black pepper. Black pepper has been used both as a spice and for traditional medicine since ancient times. Black pepper is known for being the world’s most traded spice and is a common ingredient of most cuisines across the world. Piperine is the cause of the spiciness of Piper nigrum.
Thus, the correct option is B, i.e., Piper nigrum.

Note: Piper nigrum is ubiquitous in the modern world because of its role in seasoning food. It is often paired with salt and is served on dining tables in shakers.