White pepper is one of the most commonly used food spices across the world. While white pepper in your meal makes it tastier, the substance is also believed to have medicinal value.
Research indicates that white pepper has important chemical substances that help promote good health. The use of white pepper is ideal in boosting immunity and possibly relieving health problems such as heart complications, constipation, a loss of appetite, and others. White pepper could help people rid their bodies of toxic substances, thereby promoting good health.
Consuming white pepper through one’s diet can provide fiber, iron, and manganese. East Asian cuisines include recipes that incorporate white pepper.
But what if you walk into a local market and realize that it doesn’t have white pepper? What are some possible alternatives you can buy? Are you returning from inpatient alcohol treatment and you’re looking for ways to season a healthy new diet? This article spotlights a few other spice options that you can use instead of white pepper.
What are some different types of pepper? White Pepper Substitute
White pepper
White pepper is a common ingredient in East Asian and Chinese cuisines. Known for improving flavor and adding spice to meals, Asian communities and others worldwide embrace white pepper as one of the favorite food spices.
Pepper berries are the source of white, black, and green pepper. The berries are left to ripen before removing the skin and later drying. Black pepper differs from other kinds of pepper since processing occurs during fermentation. After this, the white compounds are extracted, giving the remaining black pepper a more pungent taste and spice. In other words, the processing of pepper berries determines the type of paper produced.
If you are thinking about adding a spicy ingredient to your meal, then white pepper has a taste that you should try. Though not spicy like chili peppers, white pepper has a softer lemon-like flavor that doesn’t make the tongue tingle like other types of pepper.
Households can use white pepper alongside salt due to its mild taste, which could make it easier for the entire family to consume. But since it has a distinct taste, use white pepper sparingly to ensure you don’t lose your dish’s intended flavor.
Black pepper
Black pepper could be an ideal substitute for white pepper. Though white pepper and black pepper originate from the same plant (dried pepper berries known as peppercorns), the difference in flavor is determined by how they are processed. White peppercorns are sun-dried and their outer covering layers are removed either before or after being dried, which exposes the white seeds.
Similar to white pepper, black pepper provides valuable substances such as fiber, iron, and manganese. It is recommended to use a minimal amount of black pepper in your meal to obtain your desired taste. Alternatively, you can grind fresh black pepper to achieve a different flavor for your recipe.
Pink peppercorns
Pink peppercorns are known for their sweet taste and aroma and are a perfect alternative to white pepper. With a taste similar to white pepper, pink peppercorns can be used in recipes that include fish, wine, and vinegar. Their mild peppery taste makes them a proper alternative to white pepper. If you are sourcing a white pepper alternative that offers mild spice and a less sharp aroma, then pink peppercorns are the real deal.
Use pink peppercorns just the way you’d use white pepper to spice up your recipe. The same processing procedure used for white pepper applies to pink peppercorns. Since the process distills essential oils, it produces a milder taste and less sharp aroma. Using pink peppercorns in your recipe is an excellent option if you can’t find white pepper at your local store.
Chili powder
Chili powder is another excellent alternative to white pepper. Chili powder consists of dried and ground chili peppers. In some cases, chili powder is made from smoked dark red peppers. It is advisable to taste the chili powder before using it because it has a strong taste.
Using too much chili powder without experimenting with the right quantity might ruin the taste of your dish. Therefore it is recommended that you check how specific quantities taste before using them.
Ground mustard
While mustard seeds aren’t peppercorns, if you want to add a pungent ingredient to your recipe, ground mustard might be ideal. It has a sharp flavor and is good at binding eggs and oil together.
Mustard is known for its fresh, sharp aroma and taste. Raw forms of ground mustard make a good alternative for white pepper in dishes that include beef, butter, and cheese. You can use the ingredient to spice up your recipe in a way that many will enjoy.
Ground ginger
Another pungent spice, ground ginger might be a good alternative to white pepper and other forms of pepper. If you’re making creamy sauces or white soups, ground ginger is ideal.
One major advantage of ground ginger is that it is readily available and can be accessed through groceries. Great aroma and unique flavor are key attributes of ginger, and some believe that it also has health benefits. Given these attributes, it’s no wonder that ginger is a popular ingredient.
Conclusion
If you walk into a store and don’t know what to do if it doesn’t carry white pepper or is sold out, don’t worry. Many alternatives to white pepper can help you spice up your diet.
To achieve the right taste, experiment with white pepper alternatives to choose one that suits you. Using any spice or herb in your dish might require using it sparingly so you don’t ruin the intended flavor.
If you use a little of a spice or herb, you can always add more if you like it. After all, white pepper or its alternatives can be perfect for adding spice to your recipes and your life.
Sources
ndtv.com – Black Pepper vs. White Pepper: Which One Is Better for You?
thespruceeats.com – What Is White Pepper?
deliaonline.com – Mixed Pepper Berries
spicejungle.com – Where Does Black Pepper Come From?
gourmetsleuth.com – Pink Peppercorns
foodnetwork.com – AB’s Chili Powder
thekitchn.com – From the Spice Cupboard: Mustard Seeds and Ground Mustard
healthyeating.sfgate.com – What Is Ground Ginger Good for?