The central region of the Island, the green fertile valley at an elevation of 1200ft to 1800ft above sea level Surrounding Knuckles Mountain range is blessed with rains in both the monsoons of the Island. Flowering and pollination are expected in the November to December period harvesting will start in June on wards. Matale is the oldest pepper-growing and trading region in the country dating back to ancient times. Traditional and native farming practices and generation-to-generation knowledge of growing, harvesting, and drying give the distinctive characteristic to Matale pepper over the other areas in the Island.

Grey to Black in color, strong aroma, strong pungency, attractive outer appearance, and popularity among traditional merchants both locally and overseas make Matale pepper to be in great demand.