White Pepper

What Is White Pepper?

White pepper (Piper nigrum) comes from exactly the same plant as black pepper; the difference is that the berries are allowed to fully ripen and their outer skin is soaked in water and peeled off. The remaining inner core forms white pepper once dried.

It has a less sharp but more fermented, slightly sour aroma than black pepper; it is generally preferred in light-colored dishes where visible flecks are not wanted.

Nutritional Value of White Pepper

White pepper contains approximately 296 kcal of energy, 10.4 g protein, and 26.2 g fiber per 100 g; it also has a notable iron content. However, since the amount used in a recipe (a pinch) is very small, 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 turned into a definitive health recommendation.

This information is general; white pepper is a spice and is not a substitute for medical treatment.

How Is White Pepper Selected?

Quality white peppercorns should be cream-beige in color, firm, and have a smooth surface; grayed, dusty, or scentless corns have gone stale.

• The corns should be cream-beige in color; darkened corns are old.
• Releasing a sharp, fermented aroma when ground is a sign of freshness.
• Where possible, buy whole peppercorns and grind them just before use.

How Is White Pepper Stored?

Whole white peppercorns keep their aroma for up to 2–3 years in a closed jar in a cool, dark place; ground white pepper stales faster and is recommended to be used within about 1 year.

Using White Pepper in the Kitchen

White pepper is preferred in béchamel sauce, mashed potatoes, light-colored soups, and some seafood dishes where black specks are not wanted.

How Is White Pepper Used in Béchamel Sauce?

A pinch of white pepper is added while the sauce is cooking; this adds a slightly sharp aroma while also preventing the sauce's light color from being spoiled.

Which Recipes Use White Pepper?

White pepper is used in pasta with béchamel sauce, mashed potatoes, fish soup, and some Far Eastern cuisine recipes.

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 the unripe berry along with its skin, while white pepper is made by peeling the skin off the ripe berry and drying the inner core. White pepper has a less sharp, more fermented taste.

Why is white pepper preferred in light-colored dishes?

Because white pepper's color does not leave black specks in light-colored sauces and dishes like purée, it is preferred to add spice aroma without disturbing the visual look.

How is white pepper produced?

Ripe red-green peppercorns are soaked in water for several days, during which the outer skin softens and separates; the remaining core is washed and dried to obtain white pepper.

Is white pepper hotter?

White pepper is generally considered slightly less sharp than black pepper, but due to the fermentation process it carries a more fermented, sourish taste note.

Should white pepper be bought whole or ground?

It is recommended to buy it whole where possible and grind it at the moment of use; ready-ground white pepper loses its aroma much faster than the whole form.