"The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it. "
- Rudyard Kipling
- Rudyard Kipling
Kampot Pepper
Kampot is internationally famous for the high quality pepper produced in the area. The pepper production has a long tradition here and Chinese records describe pepper prodution in Kampot as early as the 13th century. During the French protectorate, pepper was the main colonial export crop and almost all the pepper consumed in France came from this region and from Vietnam. Unfortunatelly the tragic events of recent
Despite the strong competition in the production of this spice, the quality of the Kampot pepper is said to be highly superior to that of some of its main competitors such as Vietnam or India. What makes the Kampot pepper so special is the versatile flavour which can range from intensily spicy to mildly sweet and its pugnacity. The specific climate of the region (humid and regular rain falls) and the two varieties of plants used (the kampot pepper benefits from the status of Protected Geographical Indication and this dictates the plants to be used) make the quality of this product outstanding. Some organizations such as FarmLink are working on reviving the industry through supporting the farmers for access to new markets and increasing the productivity, so the local comunities can have a better future prospect.
How much does a visit cost?
A visit to one of the many pepper plantations throught Kampot and its surroundings is free of charge. It is possible to purchase local pepper from the plantations and the price varies according to the pepper type and the amount. The varieties of pepper produced in the plantations are black pepper, white pepper, red pepper and green pepper.
Peppercorns
When should I go, and how long do I need?
It is best to visit the pepper plantations before the harves in March - April so you can see the plants and the process of producing the pepper. Allow yourself at least half an hour for the visit.
What else can I do / see there?
A visit to the pepper plantations can be easily combined with a tour around Kampot city or a visit to the caves of Phnom Chhnork 9 kilomenters away from the town center.
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