Introduction
For many of us, the moment someone mentions pepper, we immediately think about black pepper. Did you know that white peppercorns are legitimate and widely used in various cuisines worldwide? Both of them surprisingly come from the same plant, but they are different when it comes to appearance, how they are dried and their flavours.
Intrigued to learn more about black pepper vs white pepper and which pepper to use for which recipe? Read along as we share with you a complete guide on black pepper vs white pepper. From their origin, flavours and white pepper vs black pepper health benefits to storage and shelf life, we will discuss them all today.
The Origin and Production Process
Both white and black peppers are derived from the flowering vine Piper nigrum pepper. However, they are processed differently. For black pepper production, they gather unripe green peppercorns, harvest, and sun-dry them. During the sun-drying process, an enzymatic browning of the outer layer of the peppercorns occurs, and that is how you get black peppers. White pepper on the other side requires further processing. Ripe and red peppercorns are soaked and fermented. After this, the outer layer of these peppercorns is removed, and white peppercorns are revealed inside.
Flavour Profile and Culinary Uses
Let’s dive deep into the flavour profile of white pepper vs that of black pepper to understand how they taste different.
Black Pepper
If you want your pepper to add an intense heat to your recipe and shoot up the spice level, black pepper is your best bet. Black peppercorns have a robust and bold flavour. For spicy soups and biryanis, you can consider using this type of pepper as it will give these dishes a complex and intense flavour.
White Pepper
Because these peppers are soaked and fermented, they have a mild, earthy and funky taste. Note that white pepper is commonly used in light-coloured dishes like creamy soups, stir fries, marinades, chowders, etc.
Nutritional Value of Black Pepper and White Pepper
Both peppers are a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients. Here’s an overview of the nutritional profile of both these types of peppercorns:
Calories: Both peppers are low in calories, making them an excellent addition to your well-balanced diet.
Antioxidants: Just like most spices, peppercorns are a powerhouse of antioxidants. Note that black pepper is richer in antioxidants, all thanks to the presence of a compound called piperine that is known for its excellent antioxidant properties.
Micronutrients: White and black pepper contain small amounts of micronutrients like vitamin K, iron, manganese, etc. Though they are present in small amounts, they add to the overall nutritional value of this popular spice.
White Pepper vs Black Pepper Health Benefits
Now that you know the nutritional value of both these peppers, let’s try to understand the health benefits of white pepper vs black pepper.
Black Pepper
The high level of piperine in black pepper stimulates digestive juices, combats bloating and aids digestion. It is also believed that black pepper may promote brain health and aid in improving blood sugar level; however, there isn’t enough study on this, and more research needs to be done to prove this.
White Pepper
White pepper is known for its exceptional anti-inflammatory properties. Besides this, some other key benefits of white pepper include that it helps reduce flatulence, aids digestion and aids in lowering blood pressure.
Storage and Shelf Life
There is no difference between black and white pepper when it comes to storing them. You must store white and black pepper in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. Whole peppercorns last longer than the ground ones. Hence, we recommend that you grind white and black pepper in small quantities.
Note that ground pepper will start to lose its flavour after about 3 months. You can still use them, as they won’t get spoilt, but they won’t give you the desired flavour and aroma. Whole peppercorns can last up to an impressive 3 years.
Substituting Pepper in Recipes
Yes, you can substitute white pepper for black pepper and vice versa with a few adjustments. You can also substitute pepper for nutmeg or ginger if you run out of them. If you are substituting white pepper for black pepper, then you will have to use more of the white pepper to get the desired spice level. Here are a few handy tips when you are substituting black pepper for white pepper and vice versa:
- Use double the amount of white pepper if you are substituting it in a dish for black pepper, as it is milder than black pepper.
- Use less black pepper when you are using it instead of white pepper in a dish, as it is more intense.
- Less is more. Taste as you go. Make sure that you start with a smaller amount when you are substituting spices and add more gradually if needed.
If you end up using too much pepper in a dish, you can use milk, ghee, butter, sour cream and yoghurt to balance out the spiciness of the dish.
Pairing Pepper with Other Spices
Pepper is a versatile and generous spice, as it pairs well with many other Indian spices. You can pair it with clove, cinnamon and nutmeg in desserts like gingerbread and cakes. You can also use them with cumin, turmeric and ginger in marinades for vegetables and meats. Pepper also goes well with green chillies, lemongrass and ginger in Thai curries. Lastly, note that this humble spice can also be used with coriander, parsley, dill and other herbs that you commonly find in your pantry.
Culinary Tips and Techniques
Are you a cooking novice who wants to make optimum use of pepper in your everyday home cooking? Here are a few handy tips and tricks that will help you make the most of this spice:
- If possible, ground your pepper while you are preparing your cuisine or at least make them in small batches so that they stay fresh and aromatic.
- White pepper is a great choice for creamy sauces, soups, pastas, etc.
- Sprinkle pepper on your avocado toast, salads, stir fry and other savoury items to give them an added pizazz and to increase their nutritional value.
- If you are preparing a spice blend of pepper and other spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, cumin, etc., it is best to slightly roast the spices before you grind them to enhance their flavours.
- A little pepper goes a long way. So, always use only a pinch of it and then add more if needed.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the debate of black pepper vs white pepper is an evergreen one, and they each have their own fanbase. Both these peppers add a kick to your dishes in their own distinct way. Pepper adds an element of drama to your regular dishes and zhuzhes things up for you.
If you want a bold and robust kick, then opt for black pepper. On the other hand, if you want a subtle heat for your creamy soups or gravies, go for white pepper. Once you understand the above-listed differences between black and white peppers, you can easily substitute them in different cuisines according to your preference.
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FAQs
1. Which is the healthiest pepper?
Both white pepper and black pepper are packed with nutrients and antioxidants and are healthy options for your home cooking.
2. Why do chefs use white pepper for some dishes?
White pepper is great if you want to give your dish a milder and more balanced flavour. Also, white pepper is great for light-coloured soups and sauces, as it doesn’t turn the sauces darker and maintains its aesthetic appeal. These are some primary reasons why chefs use white pepper in certain dishes instead of the black ones.
3. Is it bad to eat a lot of pepper?
Eating pepper in moderation is the key, as excessive consumption may lead to gastrointestinal troubles like indigestion, stomach pain, etc.