What Is Kampot Pepper? The Complete Guide

Documented since the 13th century, Kampot pepper became famous globally as "Indochine pepper" during French colonialism. After production fell to just 4 tonnes post-Khmer Rouge, its recovery led to EU Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status in 2016 . This terroir-driven crop relies on Kampot's quartz-rich laterite soil and humid microclimate . There are four varieties from the same vine: Black (earthy/camphor), Red (fruity/sweet), White (sharp heat), and Green (herbal/fresh) . Unlike generic pepper which has one-dimensional heat, Kampot pepper possesses complex volatile aromatics including camphor, citrus, and pine . KPPA standards mandate hand-harvesting and prohibit synthetic chemicals, securing its position as a globally celebrated spice.+4