About green alder pepper
Green alder pepper, also known as dune pepper, is a boreal spice made from the male catkins of green alder (Alnus alnobetula subsp. crispa, syn. Alnus crispa). Harvested in Québec and dried, it has a mildly spicy, resinous flavour with notes of nuts, cedar and citrus.
Its name reflects its use as a seasoning: it comes from a local shrub, a different plant from the one that produces black pepper. A lovely way to bring a taste of the forest to everyday cooking!
Our green alder pepper is harvested primarily in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and Gaspésie. Green alder also grows in many regions of Québec, including forested areas and their edges.
Two formats available: 15 g whole catkins in a bulk bag or 10 g ground green alder pepper in a small glass jar with a bamboo lid bearing the Warrior logo.
How to use green alder pepper
Whole: use a mortar and pestle to crush the catkins before adding them to your recipe. Even though we harvest them in winter, they remain resinous and can clog a grinder’s mechanism. You can also infuse the whole catkins in a sauce or broth, then strain.
Ground: add directly to marinades, sauces or seasonings. You can also sprinkle it over a dish at the end of cooking.
Start with a small pinch and adjust to taste: its resinous aroma can quickly become prominent.
What dishes pair well with it?
- Meat and game: use it to season steak, pork, poultry or a slow-cooked dish.
- Fish: add it to a salmon marinade or an accompanying sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: pair it with potatoes, carrots or squash.
- Sauces and soups: bring a forest-inspired note to a creamy sauce, broth or soup.
- Vinaigrettes: combine with oil, apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey or maple syrup.
- Desserts: use a small amount to flavour cookies, a cake or a creamy dessert.
Learn more in our article: All about green alder pepper.
Ingredient and storage
Ingredient: 100% dried green alder catkins, whole or ground depending on the selected format.
Store in a tightly closed container, away from light, heat and moisture to preserve the aromas.
Frequently asked questions
Is green alder pepper a true pepper?
Botanically, it does not come from the same plant as black pepper. It consists of male green alder catkins, used as a spice for their resinous, mildly spicy aroma.
What does green alder pepper taste like?
It has a woody, resinous flavour with notes of nuts, cedar and citrus. Its aromatic character sets it apart from classic black pepper.
What is the difference between the whole and ground formats?
The 15 g whole format comes in a bulk bag. Crush the catkins with a mortar and pestle when cooking, or use them whole for infusions. The 10 g ground format is ready to add directly to recipes, with no grinding required. It comes in a small glass jar with a bamboo lid bearing the Warrior logo.
Can green alder pepper replace black pepper?
Yes, if you would like to explore a different flavour profile. Start with a small amount and adjust to suit the dish: its forest-inspired aroma produces a different result from black pepper.
