White pepper
Pepper is one of the most widely used spices in the world, in both its black and white forms. To obtain white pepper, the berries are soaked in running water for 5 to 7 days. During this process, the skin is washed away in running water, revealing a white peppercorn. The best grains are then selected (by hand). Naturally, Verstegen supplies only the highest quality white pepper. The white pepper Verstegen supplies comes from Bangka Island in Indonesia.
Improving pepper production in Indonesia
With its sustainability program "SpiceUp," Verstegen is helping 100,000 pepper farmers in Indonesia improve their pepper production. They face various challenges, such as weather conditions, water availability, and increased disease risk. With SpiceUp, farmers receive geoinformation via text message or mobile app, providing advice on drought management, irrigation, fertilization, and optimizing best agricultural practices.
Characteristics of white pepper
White pepper is the fully mature and ripe berry of the pepper plant. The berries are soaked in running water for 5 to 7 days. During this process, the skin is washed away, revealing a white peppercorn. Depending on the quality standard, the berries are washed again, leaving only 1 to 2% of the dark peppercorns. This process, also called fermentation, is what gives white pepper its unique flavor.
The taste of white pepper
White pepper has a more aromatic flavor than black pepper, being spicy with a sweet aftertaste. The pepper's flavor is determined by climatic conditions, the soil, and the fermentation process. The best conditions for white pepper are an outdoor temperature of 28°C, a hilly area, and not too much rain. White pepper production areas are primarily countries in Southeast Asia, but Brazil is also a production area. Verstegen's white pepper comes from Banka, an Indonesian island near Sumatra. Here, the climatic conditions are optimal for growing the spice.
Uses of white pepper in cooking
Pepper is used to flavor almost all savory dishes. This also applies to white pepper. Because white pepper has a slightly sweet aftertaste, this spice also works well in sweet dishes for an extra kick.
