Including Black And White Pepper

Black and white pepper come from the same plant, *Piper nigrum*. Black pepper is made from unripe berries that are dried, causing them to turn black and wrinkly. White pepper is made from ripe berries that have had their outer skin removed before drying, resulting in a paler color and a sharper, more pungent flavor.

Pepper is primarily used as a spice to add flavor and a mild heat to foods. It is a staple in kitchens worldwide and is found in a vast array of savory dishes, including meats, vegetables, soups, sauces, and marinades. It is also commonly used in seasoning blends and rubs.

Pepper is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. It is not typically consumed in amounts that would raise health concerns. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated pepper and its active compounds, but they have not set specific limits for its use as a food spice due to its traditional consumption patterns.