The size of black pepper can be measured by its mesh size (when sieving).
The mesh designation indicates the number of holes per inch.
|
Mesh
|
Black Pepper
|
|
6 to 8
|
whole
|
|
6 to 8
|
half-cracked
|
|
8 to 10
|
quarter-cracked
|
|
12 to 14
|
coarse
|
|
18 to 28
|
table ground
|
|
22 to 28
|
restaurant ground
|
|
30 to 34
|
fine ground
|
Ground white pepper is typically 60 mesh.
The higher the mesh designation the smaller the particles.
The smaller the particle the greater the surface area for a given weight.
The higher the surface area the faster flavor is imparted.
