Thalassery, formerly Tellicherry, is located in the northwest of the Indian state of Kerala and is the namesake of one of the very special and best pepper varieties that India has to offer. The Tellicherry pepper is made from fully ripe, red pepper berries that are fermented and dried with the whole pulp. This process turns the pepper black, but not deep black; rather, it has a pleasantly deep brown hue. Through this method, the aroma has developed even more distinctly: the fully ripe peppercorns have taken on a pronounced nutty flavor, but also a strong spiciness. The use of this pepper is primarily found in dark meats such as game and beef, but also in chocolate desserts.