The same berry, a different process
- White pepper is black pepper with the skin removed
- Ripe berries are soaked for several days (retting) until the outer layer rubs away
- The pale inner corn is then sun-dried
- Removing the skin removes the sharp top notes and leaves a cleaner, earthier, slightly fermented heat
- It’s a distinct spice, not a cosmetic version of black
When to use it
- Pale gravies — white korma, shahi paneer, malai dishes
- Soups and clear broths
- Fish and chicken marinades
- Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking, where it’s the default pepper
- Any white or cream sauce
How to use it
- Grind fresh, and use slightly less than you would black pepper
- Add earlier in cooking than black pepper, which is a finishing spice
What’s not in it
- White pepper’s pale uniformity makes starch and rice flour easy to hide
- Buy it whole and the question doesn’t arise















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