White Pepper

Common Name

Like green pepper, white pepper comes from the same plant as black pepper, where it is left on the vine to fully ripen. Once ripe, the reddish berries are soaked in water to soften the outer skin which is then rubbed off. The gray peppercorn underneath is then left in the sun to dry until it turns white.

Milder than black pepper, white pepper still has a pungent taste that is somewhat penetrating and a smell that is highly aromatic. White pepper has a warm heat coveted for its softness.  It is often used in cream sauces and light dishes where specks of black pepper are undesirable.

See black peppercorns for an extensive description of the history and medicinal and culinary use of black peppercorns.

Purported Medicinal Qualities*

Used as a digestive aid, white pepper provides relief from bloating, indigestion, and nausea.

Historically, white pepper has been used to:

• Relieve bloating
• Aid digestion
• Reduce bacteria
• Reduce fungus
• As an anti-oxidant
• Increase perspiration
• Increase weight loss
• As a diuretic
• Relieve nausea
• Lower blood pressure
• Prevent or reduce osteoporosis
• Stimulate the appetite
• Relive cough and cold symptoms
• As a source of vitamin C

*Always check with your healthcare provider before consuming, inhaling or otherwise ingesting any non-prescription or prescription natural or homeopathic substance or pharmaceutical. ChefatHand.com is not recommending, suggesting, inferring or otherwise endorsing the use of any herb or spice as a medication.

Culinary/Suggested Use

Whole white peppercorns are often used in marinades or pickling spices. They are often ground and added to creamy sauces or dishes lighter in color. Add white pepper to any dish that you do not want to see the specks of black pepper. Ground white pepper fresh and store in a cool, dark place.  Food for thought:

• Crack whole white peppercorns with the side of a large knife and rub onto ribs, steak, or lamb
• Add ground white pepper to gingerbread and other ginger flavored cookies or cakes
• Add ground or cracked white peppercorns to marinades, sauces, soups or stocks
• For a light salad dressing, add ground white pepper and lemon juice to olive oil
• Add cracked white peppercorns, balsamic glaze and a touch of parmesan cheese to the top of grilled steal before serving - easy and elegant
• Brush cored pear halves with warm lemon juice and honey and sprinkle with ground or cracked white peppercorns. Grill on the barbeque just until grill marks show. Delicious.

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