White pepper is a spice made from the ripe berries of the pepper plant (Piper nigrum) that have been soaked and their outer skin removed. It is essentially the seed of the pepper fruit, whereas black pepper is made from the unripe, green berries that are dried until they turn black.

The process of making white pepper involves soaking the ripe pepper berries in water for several days, causing the outer layer of the berry to soften and decompose. After soaking, the outer layer is removed through rubbing or mechanical means, leaving behind the inner seed, which is then dried. The result is a smooth, creamy-white colored peppercorn with a milder flavor compared to black pepper.

White pepper has a slightly different flavor profile from black pepper. It is generally less pungent and has a subtler aroma, making it a preferred choice in dishes where the appearance of black specks from black pepper might be undesirable, such as in white sauces, cream soups, mashed potatoes, and light-colored meats.