Spice

Cubeb Berry

A tier

Cubeb berry is the culinary fruit form—dried, roughly peppercorn-sized, sold whole for grinding and infusion. Good berries are dark, aromatic, and slightly wrinkled with tails; hollow or musty berries are spent. Bloom crushed berries briefly in oil for spice pastes or steep in spirits. Cubeb berry doses should start small—camphor notes dominate if heavy-handed. Pair with ginger and cinnamon in warm blends.