What Is White Pepper?
White pepper (Piper nigrum) comes from the exact same plant as black pepper; the difference is that the berries are allowed to fully ripen, then soaked in water so their outer skin can be removed. The remaining inner seed is dried to make white pepper.
It has a less sharp but more yeasty, slightly sour aroma than black pepper; it is generally preferred in light-colored dishes where visible specks are not wanted.
White Pepper Nutrition Facts
White pepper provides about 296 kcal of energy, 10.4 g of protein, and 26.2 g of fiber per 100 g; it is also notable for its iron content. However, the amount used in a recipe (a pinch) is so small that it makes no practical contribution to daily nutrition.
What Are the Benefits of White Pepper?
Like black pepper, white pepper contains piperine. Various studies on piperine are ongoing, but these findings have not yet led to a definitive health recommendation.
This is general information; white pepper is a spice and is not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose White Pepper
High-quality white peppercorns should be cream-beige, firm, and smooth-surfaced; grayish, dusty, or odorless peppercorns are stale.
- Peppercorns should be cream-beige; darkened peppercorns are old.
- A sharp, yeasty aroma when ground is a sign of freshness.
- When possible, buy whole peppercorns and grind them when needed.
How to Store White Pepper
Whole white peppercorns retain their aroma for up to 2–3 years in a sealed jar in a cool, dark place; ground pepper goes stale faster, so it is recommended to use it within about 1 year.
How to Use White Pepper in Cooking
White pepper is used in béchamel sauce, mashed potatoes, light-colored soups, and some seafood dishes when black specks are undesirable.
How to Use White Pepper in Béchamel Sauce
Add a pinch of white pepper while the sauce cooks; it adds a mildly sharp aroma and helps keep the sauce’s light color from changing.
Which Recipes Use White Pepper?
White pepper is used in pasta with béchamel sauce, mashed potatoes, fish soup, and some East Asian dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between white pepper and black pepper?
Both come from the same plant (Piper nigrum); black pepper is made by drying an unripe berry with its skin, while white pepper is made by removing the skin of a ripe berry and drying the inner seed. White pepper has a less sharp, more yeasty flavor.
Why is white pepper preferred in light-colored dishes?
Because white pepper does not leave black specks in light-colored sauces and dishes such as purées, it is preferred for adding spice aroma without disrupting the visual harmony.
How is white pepper made?
Ripe red-green pepper berries are soaked in water for several days. During this process, the outer skin softens and separates; the remaining seed is washed and dried to make white pepper.
Is white pepper hotter?
White pepper is generally considered slightly less sharp than black pepper, but because of the fermentation process, it has a more yeasty, slightly sour flavor note.
Should you choose whole or ground white pepper?
When possible, buy whole peppercorns and grind them just before use; ready-ground white pepper loses its aroma much faster than whole peppercorns.