Black White Peppercorn Singapore

  1. Processed peppercorns come in a variety of colours, namely white, green, red, which come from the same seed of the same plant.
  2. Black peppercorns are green when the fruit is picked, and the drying process causes the skin to turn black.
  3. White peppercorns are actually ripe peppercorns, but go through a different processing method that removes the fruit’s skin, leaving a burnished white grey colour. White peppercorns are mostly used in Chinese, Thai cuisines.
  4. Green peppercorns come from the same fruit as black and white peppercorns. Green peppercorns are harvested before the fruit ripens and is dehydrated in a quick manner.

Why use Whole Peppercorn instead of Ground Pepper

Whole peppercorn retains its natural flavour until it is crushed or ground, and releases oils when cracked using a mill. Ground pepper on the other hand is grounded in the factory many months back, hence some of the flavour and fragrance of freshly cracked peppercorn is released and has escaped. 

Seasoning - Pepper
A bowl of Pork ribs soup with garlic

What can it be used for?  

Black peppercorns can be used in many cuisines, but white peppercorns are mostly used in Chinese, Asian cuisines. As white peppercorns have a spicy scent and lingering flavour, it is used in seasoning many dishes especially seafood and meat dishes. 
In Singapore, the famous white pepper dishes would be Singapore Bak Kut Teh and White Pepper Crab.  Singapore Bak Kut Teh has a slightly clear soup base with ingredients such as white peppercorns, garlic and pork ribs. This is different from Malaysia style Bak Kut Teh as the soup base is darker due to the herbs in the soup.

Where to buy Black and White Peppercorn in Singapore? 

Black and white peppercorns are easily available in major supermarkets, and online stores. SGDriedGoods carry the best black and white peppercorns from Sarawak Malaysia in sealed packets, maintaining its freshness.

A plate and a packet of white pepercorn
A plate and a packet of black pepercorn

Peppercorn Health benefits 

  1. Peppercorn is a good alternative to salt, as it adds flavours to various cuisines
  2. It warms the stomach, improves appetite and digestion. 
  3. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Black Peppercorn and Tumeric

Bonus Tip!

Black pepper and turmeric when used together, enhances the absorption of the good ingredients in turmeric called curumin. Curumin in turmeric is a strong antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. However, curcumin is not well absorbed in the body, but when combined together, the piperine in black pepper boosts the absorption of curcumin.  

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