White Pepper & Black Pepper. Although black peppercorns and white peppercorns come from the same plant, they’re dried differently and as a result, have a different appearance and flavor. Origin Black peppercorns and white peppercorns are both made from the fresh berries of the piper nigrum pepper vine, a plant native to South and Southeast Asia. Both types of peppercorns contain the antioxidant compound piperine, which is found in the inner pit of the peppercorn. Piperine is what activates the temperature receptors on our tongue, creating heat or a spicy sensation.