Write an article based on this "Wait 2 to 3 years to harvest your pepper plant. Harvest the peppercorn berries when they turn red. Dry your peppercorns in the sun for 7 to 9 days. Store peppercorns in a dry, cool place for 4 years."
Black pepper usually does not produce fruit until several years after planting. When your plant is fully-grown, it will grow flowers in the spring and summer and form peppercorn berry clusters. Buy an adult pepper plant if you want to harvest your pepper plant sooner. When peppercorns are ready to pick, they will turn from green to light red. Pluck the berries from the plant one at a time, working carefully to avoid plucking unripe berries. Bring a container with you as you harvest your pepper plant, to put the berries inside. Not all peppercorn berries will mature at the same time. You may need to harvest your plant several times in a single season. Spread your peppercorns out on a flat surface, like a baking pan, where they can receive direct sunlight. Keep your peppercorns drying outside until the outer skin shrinks, turns black, and develops a hard and dry texture. As long as peppercorns are stored in an airtight container, they can last for up to 4 years. After 4 years, your peppercorns will still be safe to eat, but they may lose their flavor. To test whether peppercorn is still potent, crush one of the berries with your finger and smell it. If the aroma is weak, it has probably lost its flavor.