Szechuan Peppercorns – 500g

Szechuan peppercorns are small, reddish-brown seeds harvested from the Zanthoxylum plant, native to the Sichuan province of China. Unlike black peppercorns, Szechuan peppercorns have a unique, tingling, and numbing effect on the palate, often referred to as “mala” – a combination of spiciness and a distinct numbing sensation. This numbing quality comes from a compound called hydroxy-alpha-sanshool, which interacts with the sensory receptors in the mouth. Szechuan peppercorns are a key ingredient in Szechuan cuisine, often used in stir-fries, sauces, marinades, and spice blends like Szechuan pepper salt. They pair beautifully with chili peppers to create the bold, complex flavors that define the region’s cooking. In addition to their culinary uses, Szechuan peppercorns have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to improve circulation, alleviate pain, and aid digestion. With their distinctive numbing heat and health benefits, Szechuan peppercorns are a fascinating and essential spice in both cooking and natural wellness.