White Pepper Tastes hotter than black but is less complex, with fewer flavor notes. It stimulates the appetite and gives food a gentle warmth, as well as enhancing the taste of other ingredients. A spice indigenous to southern India, the majority of pepper now comes from Vietnam, the biggest exporters. Pepper comes from a climbing vine, the fruits of which - small round berries - ripen from green to red and finally to brown. Peppercorns are actually berries that are picked when they're just turning red. They are then dried whole before being sold. Peppercorns can be green, white, or black, depending on when they are harvested. Pink peppercorns, however, are not true pepper. Beauty tip. Grind and add coconut oil to make an exhilarating facial scrub.