Black pepper is one of the most versatile spices used virtually in all kinds of savory cooking. To keep their fragrance and flavor intact, they are generally ground just before preparing dishes and added at the last minute in the recipes (since prolonged cooking results in the evaporation of essential oils). Black pepper along with other spices and seasonings is used to marinate chicken, fish, and meat. The spice is used liberally in Indian vegetarian and chicken curries and in the Middle East, in meat and rice dishes. They can be used in the preparation of soups, barbecue sauces, pickling, and as the main ingredient in a variety of curry powders (Indian garam masala powder). Although preferred in savory foods, this spice is also used in tiny quantities in sweet preparations like fruitcakes, bread, and pies to add a spicy note. Black pepper powder is mixed with salt, and the mixture is a common item found on the serving table in restaurants. The mixture is used to sprinkle over vegetable/fruit salads, chats, lemonades, soups, etc.