Peppercorns
Pepper has been used to flavor food for hundreds of years. Peppercorn berries grow in clusters on a plant that is native to India and Indonesia. Whether peppercorns end up being black, white or green depends upon how they are processed. Black peppercorns are picked when the berries are not quite ripe, and then dried until shriveled and brownish black. White peppercorns are picked ripe, then skinned and dried. They are smaller and milder than black peppercorns. Green peppercorns are soft, under ripe berries and are usually processed in brine. They have a fresh, mild flavor. Whole black and white peppercorns can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
