Why pepper in Africa was so valuable to European traders?

Answer 1

Pepper was extremely valuable for two reasons. First, because it would keep and because it was in such demand that it brought high prices. Second, because it had such a strong flavour. Until recent times, refrigeration was not something most countries were familiar with. The Nordic countries had natural refrigeration, as did the Inuit, and could bury meat in snow caves to keep it fresh. English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Portugese peoples could not. So much of their meat was half rotten. Pepper -- and lots of it --covered up the taste of the spoiled meat.

Answer 2

Because if its ability to cover the smell and taste of slightly "off" meats. Using pepper allowed meats to be palatable longer, and made it taste better.

Answer 3

It covered up the taste of semi-rotten meat, then in abundant supply because of no refrigeration.

Answer 4

cause it covered up the taste of rotting food