Difference Between White and Black Ground Peppers

White ground peppers vs Black ground peppers

White ground pepper and black ground pepper come from the same plant. But white or black colour has to do with the ripeness of the pepper. Black peppers are those that are harvested unripe and white peppers are those that are ripened peppers.

The unripe green pepper is picked from the pepper plant and dried in the sun, which changes into black. The white pepper is made from ripe peppercorn that might have turned red or yellow. It is then soaked in water, which makes it easy for the shells to be removed. The soaked peppercorn is then dried under the sun. So the main difference is that white pepper involves the process of soaking, which is not done in black pepper.

Black ground pepper comes with a hot flavour and aroma. Though white ground pepper has the pungency of black peppers, it has a different flavour because of the loss of aroma compounds.

Black ground pepper is considered to be more strong spice than the White ground pepper.

White ground pepper and black ground pepper are both known for its medicinal values. Black ground pepper is commonly used for bronchitis or airway inflammation and White ground pepper is used for the treatment of malaria and cholera. Both the White ground pepper and black ground pepper are used for stomach upset, pain, scabies and other conditions.

When we compare the presence of oil, black ground pepper contains more essential oil content than White ground pepper.

Coming to the commercial value, White ground pepper is more expensive. When black ground pepper dominates the market in South East Asia, the white ground pepper dominates the East Asian markets.

Summary

1. Black peppers are those that are harvested unripe and white peppers are ripened peppers.
2. White ground pepper involves the process of soaking, which is not done in black pepper.
3. Black ground pepper comes with a hot flavour and aroma. On the other hand, white ground pepper has a different flavour because of the loss of aroma compounds.
4. Black ground pepper is considered to be more strong that the White ground pepper.
5. Black ground pepper contains more essential oil content than White ground pepper. It contains about three per cent of essential oil.

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