Pink peppercorns are not actually peppercorns.

Pink peppercorns come from the Schinus terebinthifolia species, commonly known as the Brazilian pepper tree, or the Schinus molle, known as the Peruvian pepper tree. Unlike true black, white, or green peppercorns which belong to the Piper nigrum family, these berries are members of the Anacardiaceae family. This is the same botanical family that includes cashews, pistachios, and mangoes.The confusion began in the early 1980s when pink peppercorns became a trendy culinary ingredient in the United States. In 1982, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) actually banned the import of these berries from France due to reports of adverse reactions, including respiratory distress and digestive issues. The ban was later lifted after the French government provided evidence that the berries were safe for general consumption when prepared correctly.The primary danger lies in cross-reactivity for individuals with tree nut allergies. Research published in journals like the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology notes that the proteins in Schinus berries are similar enough to those in cashews to trigger an immune response. This means someone with a severe cashew allergy could experience anaphylaxis just by consuming a dish seasoned with pink peppercorns.Beyond the allergy risk, the Brazilian pepper tree is considered a highly invasive species in Florida and Hawaii. It was originally introduced as an ornamental plant in the 1840s but quickly spread, displacing native vegetation. Today, it covers over 700,000 acres in Florida alone, where it is managed as a noxious weed despite its popular use in gourmet spice blends.