Peppercorns are one of the most commonly used spices. In fact, peppercorn accounts for 1/4 of all of the global spice trade. Peppercorns are the berry of the plant Piper Nigrum. Black peppercorns are fermented, green peppercorns. They have a crisp and aromatic flavor. Black peppercorns have the most robust flavor of all peppercorns.