The Pepper Project for Cambodia

The Pepper Project is a nonprofit organization committed to establishing a market for Cambodian products in the United States. Founders Cris Peterson and Tom Gordon decided to pursue this project as a means to help Cambodian pepper farmers reestablish themselves after the civil war.

Kampot black pepper is an intense pepper with a strong aroma. According to the Pepper Project, the pepper is grown organically and each pouch is traceable to the grower. Kampot pepper is the only Cambodian product that is protected by geographical indication, a sign of an authentic product.

The project is currently working with other nonprofits such as Daughters of Cambodia and the International Princess Project.  Both of these organizations provide job training to former sex workers so that they can live and work independently in their communities. The Pepper Project purchases bags, pouches and punjammies (100% cotton pajamas made in India) from them. 

For more information on this organization or to purchase products, visit http://www.pepperproject.org.

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Photo credit: Exfordy/Flickr

Comments

[Vuth]

Pepper and salt it must be Kampot, Cambodia...I like that project :D

[Tom]

Kampot pepper has a fascinating history. First noted by Chinese explorers in the 13th Century. By 1990, Cambodia was part of French Indochina and the bulk of the crop was exported to the best restaurants in Paris. Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge come along in the 1970s and decided the pepper farmers should be growing rice. Th farmers were relocated and many die (along with 1-2 million other Cambodians). Today, 118 families grow Kampot pepper in southwestern Cambodia. Farming techniques have changed little over the centuries. It's organic, fertilized with cow dung and rice field crabs. And available in very few places outside of Cambodia.