White pepper is a spice made from the dried seeds of the ripe fruit of the Piper nigrum plant, the same plant that produces black pepper. Unlike black pepper, the outer black husk is removed before drying, giving white pepper its smooth, off-white appearance and slightly milder flavor.
It has a sharp, earthy, and mildly pungent taste, making it a popular choice for light-colored dishes like white sauces, soups, mashed potatoes, and creamy gravies where black specks from regular pepper might be visually unappealing.
White pepper is commonly used in Asian and European cuisines and is known for its subtle heat that builds gradually. It’s often used in dishes where a smoother, more delicate pepper flavor is desired.