Our Ingredients

Since 1994, The Pepper Company (then known as Elephant Pepper Development Trust) has been working with farmers to obtain quality raw materials. Raw materials used in our products are sourced from farmers living in human - wildife conflict areas who engage in conservation measures. Sale of the ingredients provides cash directly to the farmer and gives an incentive to other farmers to participate in similar measures.

The range and quantity of the ingredients available is very dependent on the amount of produce a famer has availabe. This is affected by the season, drought, pests and other variables.

Baobab

Baobab fruit is unique in its nutritional qualities. The fruit of the Baobab tree is sort by both humans and animals alike. This is more so in drought times and brings humans and elephant into proximity with each other which may need management. In addition to this, baobab fruit requires sustainable harvesting to ensure that part of the food resource is left for other animals and for propogation.

Chili

Chili used in our products are harvested from plants grown by farmers to deter elephants from raiding food crops. Most of the chili is exported. The remaining chili is used to extract capsicium (chili essense) that is used in various ways to further deter animals.

Marula

The Marula tree produces small yellow juicy fruits. During fruit season, animals, including elephants, engage in feeding behaviour that often brings humans into contact with animals.

Sorgham

Sorgham plays an important role in both the dietary needs and incomes of many rural households in Eastern and Southern Africa. Sorgham is very high in calcium, rich in iron and fibre, and has a higher energy content than other grains.