White peppercorns are picked from the vine when they are almost ripe - much later than black or green peppercorns. When picked, they are a yellowish-pink colour. The peppercorns are treated with water to remove the skin, and then sun-dried. White peppercorns contain less essential oil than black peppercorns, as this is in the skin, so they have less aroma and a sweetish pungency to them.