Black Peppercorns are firm and extremely hard to the touch, requiring a good deal of force to break. The round spice has a mild musty aroma similar to wet hay with notes of citrus and fruit. Peppercorns are rarely consumed whole and must be cracked or ground before they are used. Once broken, they release a pungent aroma that can tickle the nose. The spice has a biting and lingering heat with notes of citrus, fruit, and grass.