White Peppercorns

White Peppercorns come from the common pepper plant (Piper nigrum), a flowering tropical plant that was originally native to India. The plant produces tiny berries or "drupes." These berries can be harvested and processed at various stages of their maturity to achieve different flavors and colors. White Peppercorns are allowed to ripen fully, causing the skins of the drupes to turn red. After drying, the peppercorns are soaked in water to soften and decompose the outer layer, leaving only the white center of the peppercorn. The result of the soaking process is a mildly hot, slightly fermented pepper flavor. Peppercorns have far-reaching cultural and historical significance. Europeans sought them as far back as ancient times, and as a result they often drove exploration and commerce. As early as the Roman Empire, they were bought, sold and taxed. The lure of pepper and other spices brought explorers from all over Europe to India during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Peppercor