Cubeb (Tailed Pepper)

Cubeb, or tailed pepper, is a climbing vine of the pepper family whose berries resemble black pepper but keep a short stalk, or tail. It is grown mainly in Java and Sumatra and is traded into India as a spice.

Known in Sanskrit as Kankola, the dried fruit is used in classical Ayurveda in mouth-care and respiratory-support preparations. Its warm, aromatic flavour also makes it a traditional ingredient in mouth fresheners.