White pepper is often used in
dishes that need a peppery bite but where you don't want black flecks, such as
in white sauces and potato dishes. In Chinese cuisine, ground white pepper
is used to add flavor to soups, marinades for meat and poultry, and spicier
stir-fries. It is different from black pepper or Sichuan peppercorns.
White pepper is a spice
produced from the dried fruit of the pepper plant, Piper nigrum, as is black pepper. It is
usually milder than black pepper, with less complex flavor. Both whole and
ground white pepper are available.
While they come from the berries of the same plant, the
difference between white pepper and black pepper starts when the berries are
picked. To make black pepper, unripe pepper berries are picked and then they
are dried, which blackens the skin and adds flavor elements.
White pepper is made from fully ripe pepper berries. They
are soaked in water for about 10 days, leading to fermentation. Then their
skins are removed, which also removes some of the hot piperine compound, as
well as volatile oils and compounds that give black pepper its aroma. As a
result, white pepper has a different flavor and heat component than black
pepper. The process used and handling of white pepper can introduce different
flavor notes as well.
White
pepper works best for those suffering from loss of appetite as it enhances
appetite and promotes healthy gout. The spice helps to get rid of secretions
from airways. It is also used to treat constipation as it supports large
intestine peristalsis and accelerates metabolism. It has anti-inflammatory
effect and also freshens breath. It enhances the immune system and tones the
overall body. It purifies the body from harmful toxins and promotes
circulation. The regular intake of white pepper protects from various
cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Monisha goes on to say, '' White
pepper helps in preventing cancer by preventing formation of free radicals. It
also aids in weight loss due to the presence of capsaicin, that burns fat in
the body.''