The city of Tellicherry in India (now called Thalassery) in indeed in a pepper growing region, but that's not where the name came from. This is a commonly believed myth, by yours truly included (until recently). But the truth about the name Tellicherry peppercorns is much more mundane.
Tellicherry is a Grade of Black Peppercorns
The term Tellicherry is used for the largest and most mature peppercorns. They are grown on the same plant (Piper nigrum) and processed just like "regular" black pepper. It is from the Malabar coast region, especially Kerala, They are especially prized in cooking for their citrusy, fruity notes and depth of flavor compared with generic black pepper. Also, some people find the large peppercorns to be more visually appealing, so they sometimes command a price premium.
Why the Name Change?
The name Tellicherry originated with the British colonists who Anglicized the local name of the city to Tellicherry and used it in official records, on maps, and so on. With the end of colonial rule, the Indians reverted to original place names and replaced the Anglicized versions that the British had imposed on them. And so, Tellicherry is now Thalassery. The colonial name lives on however in the spice trade.
Wondering if your pricey peppercorns will ever expire? Read about it!
