What parts of black pepper are edible?

The edible parts of black pepper are primarily the dried berry, which is the peppercorn itself. This small, round fruit is harvested when it is still green and then fermented and dried to produce the black spice commonly used in cooking. The outer layer of the berry is what gives black pepper its distinct flavor and pungency. Other parts of the plant, such as the leaves or stems, are not typically consumed.