In Sweden and the surrounding countries, white pepper is often used for seasoning in place of black pepper. The berries, used to make white pepper are the same as those used to make black pepper, but they are harvested at a riper stage. The hulls are then removed and with them goes some of the characteristic heat of black pepper. Compared to black pepper its flavor is a bit sharper, yet less spicy, with fragrant citrusy overtones. While freshly ground white pepper is more fragrant than preground. Equal amounts of ground white pepper can be substituted for the black pepper in many recipes, if desired.