White/Black pepper

[Palmyrasteak]

I know there are a lot of smart people on here. I am still trying to learn stuff that seems so simple to some people. Anyway, what is the difference between white and black pepper? I have never used white on anything. Is the white stronger? 

[Ka Honu]

Simplest explanation:  Same plant - different flavors.  Black pepper is picked earlier and dried.  White pepper is allowed to ripen and then soaked to remove the skin.

[muebe]

I use white pepper all the time. It has a lighter pepper taste with a full body. Much finer grind than black pepper. I love seasoning my Tri-tips with it. Just a simple white pepper, black pepper, and salt blend.

As the Turtle mentioned it is left to ripen and the shell is removed before grinding.

[RAD]

I've been told that you can't digest black pepper but you can white. Not sure what that really means but I think I've used white once or twice but always use black.

[Smokin Don]

White pepper is hotter than black. I like to use a four pepper corn mix, red, green, white and black. The crazy Cajun Justin Wilson used to say don't use black pepper it is just ground wood, if you want heat use Cayenne. Smokin Don

[drholly]

I'm with Don - I like to use a variety based on what's cooking. I also really like pink "pepper" and Grains of Paradise - neither of which are true peppercorns.

[Palmyrasteak]

Thanks yall! I knew THIS would be the place to get the answer  . Like I said, I am still learning. I got the steak cooking down pretty good and fixin to jump in the rib competition world! This is the BEST site I have found to get honest talk, without a bunch of BS from people when they see somebody like me trying to learn.
Thanks again!!!! 

[RAD]

We are all learning everyday and if we know it all then we would be God. Just sayin..