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
Retail packs typically run from 100g to 5kg. Bulk starts at 10kg. Selling prices are checkout prices. Indian market figures, when present, are indicative only.
