white pepper? What the...

Cassi1990 · January 2012

White pepper? What the heck is that? My parents raised us on precooked/prepacked junk so I think I was pretty "sheltered" when it came to REAL FOOD. But as soon as I moved out on my own (at 16) I have been cooking homemade meals for my kids. But NEVER have I came across a recipe that used WHITE PEPPER......until today that is!

I have never heard of this. Where do I find it at (is it in the spices isle?)? What's the difference between ground black pepper and this "white pepper"?

3dogsrunning · January 2012

White and black pepper "both come from the same plant, but, as with red and green peppers, the final color has to do with their ripeness...
A black peppercorn is picked when still green and dried in the sun until it turns black. A white peppercorn ripens fully on the vine before it is picked. Black pepper has a slightly hotter flavor and aroma."
http://www.ochef.com/569.htm

You can find it in the spice aisle. I know it is used in white sauces a lot.

(I actually have white pepper but never really knew the difference)

ElizabethRoad · January 2012

Hmm, I've always heard that it's the same pepper, with the black skin removed. And a quick google search shows many sources agree with that, and some agree with the bit about when they are picked. Possibly both are true? I don't know where to go for a really definitive answer.

Anyway, white pepper is slightly less peppery, but there's not a huge difference. You can easily use black pepper if you don't have white. It is found in the spice section with all the regular spices. It's very common so I'm sure your store will have it.

Cassi1990 · January 2012

thanks ladies! I'll have to take a look when i go shopping later. May just stick to the black pepper since i wouldnt have many uses for the white.

_SusieQ_ · January 2012

The white is just slightly milder. I use it for lots of things where I just want a hit of that pepper taste

rbbrrmqn · January 2012

It is often used in white sauces and gravies, etc where the little black flecks might not look as nice.

Contrarian · January 2012

White pepper is also good if you don't want to see black specks in whatever you are making. My mother uses it in potato soup, for example.

AlbertPooHoles · January 2012

If you look closely at the pepper that many restaurants have at the table, it's a blend of black and white. You've likely consumed it a few times now.

QueenJayJay · January 2012

onedayillbamilf · January 2012

You can find it with all the other spices and such at the grocery store. It says "White Pepper" on it. Mine is in the little tin can, but I'm sure they probably have it in the fancy bottles too. I use mine in homemade vinegairette dressings. To me, it's a little more spicy than regular pepper and it makes me sneeze. I like it.

rml_16 · January 2012

I think I've only ever come across one recipe that called for white recipe, but it was easy to find. As everyone said, in the spice aisle with all the other spices. McCormick sells it and I'm sure another brand somewhere that's cheaper. :-)