What Is White Pepper? White pepper, like black pepper, is made from the berries of the pepper plant, also known as the Piper nigrum. Unlike black pepper, however, white pepper comes from berries that are picked at full ripeness. These berries are then soaked in water to ferment. Use white pepper to season light-colored dishes like cream sauces, soups, potatoes, pasta and seafood. White pepper has a pungent flavor so use less than you would bl