Pink Peppercorn

Schinus molle

A warming, stimulating oil, Pink Peppercorn is steam distilled from the fruit of the Schinus mole.

This popular spice was considered sacred to the ancient Incas and has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years.

Pink Peppercorn (Schinus molle), also known as the Peruvian peppertree, peppercorn tree and Californian pepper tree is a member of the Anacardiaceae family. It’s an evergreen tree that grows up to 9 metres in height by 7 metres in width. It is native to the Peruvian Andes.

Chains of cream flowers appear at the end of the branches in summer followed by peppercorns, which turn pink in autumn and are referred to as ‘pink peppercorns’ although they are not true peppercorns. Pink peppercorns have a citrus flavour and are much more fragrant. 

Shinus molle grows wild throughout most of Australia in a range of habitats from grasslands to dry open forest and coastal areas. The branches tend to droop which gives the tree a weeping effect. It is found as a bush in dry lands but reaches tree size in dry river beds with accessible underground water. It is an evergreen that has a graceful fern like foliage.

This tree grows well in the sun and is drought tolerant so can still flourish with only occasional watering. All parts of the tree have high oil and essential oil contents that produce a spicy, aromatic scent. 

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  • Studied Properties
  • Common Uses

Studied Properties

APPEARANCE: Colorless to pale yellow mobile liquid

ODOUR: Characteristic, warm, spicy

SPECIFIC GRAVITY @20°C: 0.820 to 0.900

REFRACTIVE INDEX @20°C: 1.470 to 1.490

FLASHPOINT: 47°C

GENERAL CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

α-Pinene <5%

d-Cadinene <2%

α-Phellandrene <30%

Sabine <6%

β-Phellandrene <9%

β-caryophyllene <2%

Limonene <10%

β-Caryophyllene <2%

Para-Cymene <3%

Myrcene <27%

EU ALLERGENS: contains Limonene

PROP 65: contains Myrcene

The oil has antiseptic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Virtually all parts of this tropical tree, including its leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, resin, and oleoresin (or balsam) have been used medicinally by indigenous peoples throughout the tropics. The plant has a very long history of use and appears in ancient religious artifacts and on idols among some of the ancient Chilean Amerindians.

Common Uses

This stimulating and warming oil is a welcome addition to massage products to sooth muscular aches and pains.

It is popular in Aromatherapy with its spicy aroma, and uplifting and stimulating effects.
Pink Peppercorn oil is used in perfumes, bath products, skin care, antiseptic creams, body products, antiseptic creams, household detergents and candles.

Its warm, spicy aroma makes it a great addition to air freshening products.

In the food industry, Pink Peppercorn is widely used as a spice and in jams and chutneys.