All peppercorns, be they black, white or green, come from the tropical vine belonging to the plant famliy 'Piperaceae'. Although the pepper plant had its origin in India, a large demand for the spice has necessitated commercial cultivation in several parts of South-East Asia as well.

When fully ripened berries (from the pepper vine), with their outer covering removed, are allowed to ferment naturally in the sun - the result is creamy, white peppercorns.