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When it comes to spices that truly stand the test of time, few are as universally loved — or as essential — as the humble peppercorn. Whether you’re seasoning a hearty stew, a crisp salad, or your morning eggs, pepper adds a distinctive warmth and complexity that enhances every bite.

But did you know that not all peppercorns are created equal?

At The Herbal Connection, we proudly stock four types of peppercorns — Black, White, Green, and Pink — each with its own unique flavour, harvest process, and best uses in the kitchen.

In this guide, we’ll unpack:

• Why peppercorns come in different colours

• How each type is processed

• Their flavour profiles

• Our tips for using each type in your cooking

? What Are Peppercorns, Really?

All true peppercorns (except pink) come from the Piper nigrum vine — a flowering plant native to India. The different colours result not from different plants, but from when and how the berries are harvested and processed.

Pink peppercorns, however, are from a different species entirely — the Schinus tree — and while they look like pepper, they offer a fruitier flavour and are often used for colour and mild heat.

? The Four Peppercorns We Love (And Why You Should Too)

? Black Peppercorns – Bold, Spicy, and Aromatic

These are the most familiar and widely used peppercorns. Black peppercorns are harvested just before they fully ripen, then sun-dried, which causes the outer skin to shrivel and darken.

• Flavour: Sharp, spicy, and woody with complex heat

• Best Used In: Everyday seasoning, meat rubs, salad dressings, soups, sauces

• Try Them: Shop Whole Black Peppercorns

? Tip: Crush fresh for best flavour. A must-have in every kitchen.

? White Peppercorns – Milder, Earthy, and Slightly Fermented

White peppercorns are fully ripened berries with the outer skin removed, leaving the pale inner seed. They're soaked and washed to achieve their lighter appearance.

• Flavour: Milder, less pungent, slightly musty or fermented

• Best Used In: Light-coloured sauces, creamy soups, Asian dishes

• Try Them: Shop White Peppercorns

? Tip: Perfect for white sauces where black specks would be visually unappealing.

? Green Peppercorns – Bright, Herbaceous, and Delicate

Green peppercorns are harvested early and preserved (either dried or brined) to maintain their colour and freshness. They are the most delicate in flavour and less pungent than black pepper.

• Flavour: Fresh, grassy, tangy with subtle spice

• Best Used In: Cream sauces, fish, pâtés, Thai and French cooking

• Try Them: Shop Green Peppercorns

? Tip: Soak dried green peppercorns in water before use to rehydrate and soften.

? Pink Peppercorns – Sweet, Floral, and Beautifully Fragrant

Unlike the others, pink peppercorns come from the Peruvian pepper tree (Schinus molle). They're technically not true pepper but are often blended for their bright, aromatic notes.

• Flavour: Sweet, floral, slightly peppery and citrusy

• Best Used In: Salads, vinaigrettes, chocolate desserts, goat cheese

• Try Them: Shop Pink Peppercorns

? Tip: Beautiful when crushed over creamy cheeses or in pepper medleys.

? Why Peppercorns Come in Different Colours

Though they often appear dramatically different in colour, black, white, and green peppercorns all come from the same plant. The differences lie in ripeness and post-harvest processing:

Understanding these differences can transform your cooking, allowing you to choose the right pepper to suit the dish and the moment.

?️ How to Use Different Peppercorns in Cooking

You can also try pepper blends to add complexity — combining black, white, green, and pink peppercorns in your mill gives a beautiful colour and flavour contrast.

Final Thoughts: Spice with Intention

Pepper may be a pantry staple, but it’s anything but boring. The colour, complexity, and depth of each type can dramatically change the flavour of your food.

Whether you’re cooking with confidence or just beginning to explore herbs and spices, adding a rainbow of peppercorns to your kitchen toolkit is an easy way to elevate your meals with intention and creativity.

? Explore All Our Peppercorn Varieties:

• Black Peppercorns Organic

• White Peppercorns

• Green Peppercorns

• Pink Peppercorns

Each type is available in bulk, perfect for restaurants, retailers, or passionate home cooks.