White Peppercorns come from the common pepper plant (Piper nigrum), a flowering tropical plant that was originally native to India. The plant produces tiny berries or "drupes." These berries can be harvested and processed at various stages of their maturity to achieve different flavors and colors. White Peppercorns are allowed to ripen fully, causing the skins of the drupes to turn red. After drying, the peppercorns are soaked in water to soften and decompose the outer layer, leaving only the white center of the peppercorn. The result of the soaking process is a mildly hot, slightly fermented pepper flavor.

Peppercorns have far-reaching cultural and historical significance. Europeans sought them as far back as ancient times, and as a result they often drove exploration and commerce. As early as the Roman Empire, they were bought, sold and taxed. The lure of pepper and other spices brought explorers from all over Europe to India during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Peppercorns were sometimes accepted in lieu of money in dowries, taxes and rents, such was their value!

In modern herbal medicine, White Peppercorns are used topically to treat pain from muscular aches, sprains, arthritis and osteoporosis, while in Chinese medicine, they have been used as a remedy for joint pain and stiffness, nausea and digestive complaints. And unsurprisingly, given their spiciness, White Peppercorns are used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to clear nasal congestion.

White Peppercorns are most prominently used in European cuisines, in fact Europe consumes twice as much white pepper as black, the reverse of the United States' consumption ratio. Many cooks combine black and white peppercorns for color and a different ratio of flavor compounds and heat levels.

Suggested uses

Basic prep

Storage & handling

Store in a cool, dry place.

Ingredients

White peppercorns.