Why does the white pepper I bought taste so like paint?

White pepper tastes like paint, probably because it contains some impurities or is influenced by other factors, resulting in an unpleasant smell. The following are some factors that may lead to this situation:

1. Plant raw materials are not fresh: white pepper is made from the fruits of pepper plants. If the picked fruit is not fresh enough, it may lead to the impure taste of pepper, and even have an unpleasant smell similar to paint.

2. Problems in processing: If pepper is not handled properly in processing, it may also lead to impure taste. For example, if paint or other chemicals are used during processing, these substances may remain in pepper, resulting in an unpleasant smell.

3. Improper storage: If pepper is stored improperly, it may cause it to absorb the odor in the environment. For example, if it is stored near paint or other chemicals, it may be affected by these smells.

In order to avoid this situation, it is recommended that you buy a reputable brand, choose peppers made of fresh plant materials, and store them in a dry, cool and ventilated place to avoid contact with paint or other chemicals. If you are still worried about buying inferior products, you can try to ask the seller about the raw materials and processing technology before buying to ensure the quality of the purchased peppers is reliable.