What Is White Pepper?

While black pepper is certainly the most common form of pepper, it’s not the only one. Today we’re looking at a similar, but different, spice: white pepper. But what is white pepper? How does it differ from black pepper? Is it spicy? Let’s shake out some answers.

What is white pepper?

While black pepper is ubiquitous on dining tables, in pantries, and even in those little fork, knife, and napkin packets, you would be much more hard-pressed to find its cousin, white pepper. White pepper is a type of peppercorn as well, it’s just processed differently from black pepper. This gives it a different flavor profile, slightly different chemical composition, and a different color.

Are white pepper and black pepper from the same plant?

Yes! Despite their difference in coloring, both black and white peppercorns are berries from the same plant, called Piper nigrum. As it turns out, the lesser known green and red peppercorns are also from this plant as well (pink peppercorns are the odd pep out; despite their similar taste and look, they come from a different plant species). 

What is the difference between white pepper and black pepper?

White pepper and black pepper start out life the same way, as berries of the Piper nigrum plant. But when they’re harvested, things begin to change. Black pepper is picked and then immediately dried. This causes the skin of the peppercorn to wither and blacken. White pepper, by contrast, is soaked before it is dried. This allows the outer layer to come off, leaving the smooth, white surface beneath.

Because the process of extracting white pepper is slightly more laborious, this pepper variety is usually more expensive than its black counterpart. 

Is white pepper spicy?

Spice is subjective, so I would never say there’s no spice whatsoever to white pepper. But white pepper is definitively less spicy than black pepper. It has a milder flavor with an immediate, slight heat. 

What does white pepper taste like?

White pepper is milder than black pepper and less spicy. It has some bright, earthy pops, which may make it taste more herb-like than its darker cousin. It also has some hints of musk or ginger.

What is white pepper used for?

White pepper is more widely used in East Asian and European cooking than American cuisine, and there are myriad options. One of the most common is Hollandaise sauce, but there are many other choices as well. It’s often used in seafood dishes instead of black pepper. 

Allrecipes has a long list of white pepper recipes. One dish that looks particularly appealing to me is this roasted garlic soup. It calls for garlic, butter, olive oil, leeks, onion, flour, chicken broth, sherry, whipping cream, chives, and, of course, the white pepper. The subtle notes of the white pepper should mix wonderfully with the strong garlic flavor. Enjoy!