Sichuan Peppercorns

Sichuan Peppercorns
Sichuan Peppercorns
Sichuan Peppercorns Sichuan Peppercorns

Sichuan Peppercorns

SKU
100213 001
Price:
$15.19
Net Weight:
1.6 oz
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Despite the name, Sichuan Peppercorns are not peppercorns at all. These curious little nuggets are the outer pod from the fruit of the prickly ash bush, a plant indigenous to China. While the fruit is sandy and unpalatable, the pods have a spicy, woody fragrance, and deliver an unusual, sharp flavor. It begins with a bitter bite that gives way to a warm, numbing sensation, which then fades out into earthy and lemony undertones. Sichuan peppercorns have a volatile oil content of 4%-7% and the active ingredient, sanshool, essentially excites the taste receptors on the tongue so much that we perceive their excited state as numbness. In Chinese this is called ; numbing allows diners to eat spicier food and benefit from , the sweat-inducing properties of hot chile peppers. The cooling effect of sweating through hot food in Sichuan’s humid environment is called málà, and is a hallmark of Sichuan cuisine.

Sichuan peppercorns were banned from the United States for almost 40 years, from 1968 to 2005. The ban was instated because of agricultural concerns over citrus canker bacterial disease. Citrus canker disease, while not harmful to humans, is devastating to citrus crops. It causes lesions on plants and leaves, causing them to drop leaves and fruit prematurely. The ban on Sichuan peppercorns was lifted in 2005 after reaching an agreement that all Sichuan peppercorns imported to the United States must first be heated to over 160 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature at which the citrus canker bacteria dies.

 

Tips From Our Kitchen

 

Sichuan Peppercorns can assert themselves in strong dishes and add a surprising twist to black bean chili, roasted lamb, and a peppery beef stir fry. Use them with ginger to make a spicy broth for dumpling soup, or pair with tofu to make the traditional Sichuan dish mapo. Steep in oil with hot chiles for a spicy oil to drizzle on top of your food. The delicate citrus side of Sichuan Peppercorns can be highlighted, too, mixed into vanilla ice cream. It also adds a surprising lift to peach cobbler or tarte tatin.

There are no true substitutes for Sichuan Peppercorns because of its unique numbing sensation, though a combination of black pepper and coriander can emulate the flavor.

Our Sichuan Peppercorns are grown in China.

 

Hungry for more information?

The Flavors of China
Sichuan Spices and Seasonings
All About Sichuan Cuisine
Sichuan Peppercorns: A Chinese Spice So Hot It Cools

 

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size1 tsp

Amount Per Serving

Calories4

% Daily Value*

Total Fat0g0%

Saturated Fat0g0%

Trans Fat0g

Polyunsaturated Fat0g

Monounsaturated Fat0g

Cholesterol1mg8%

Sodium10.5mg0%

Total Carbohydrate0.4g0%

Dietary Fiber0.0g0%

Total Sugars0.4g

Added Sugars0g0%

Sugar Alcohol0.0g

Protein0.5g1%

Vitamin D0mcg0%

Calcium0mg0%

Iron0mg0%

Potassium0mg0%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. These values were calculated and therefore are approximate. For more accuracy, testing is advised.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5
18 total ratings.

Edward G. (Verified buyer) 08/19/2021
A nice earthy flavor with A nice earthy flavor with a slight bit of "twang" to it. Put it in your best grinder to have handy by the stove to add a little zip to a dish, we especially like it on top of scrambled eggs and fried potatoes. Starts the morning off right.

Gus R. (Verified buyer) 08/16/2021
These babies add heat. I These babies add heat. I added them to a homemade chili crisp recipe and boy did it pack some punch

Maria L. (Verified buyer) 08/12/2021
good product good product

Kevin G. (Verified buyer) 12/02/2020
I have been a fan I have been a fan of these faux peppercorns for many years. Its a pleasure to get them fresh. They are integral to sichuan cooking.

Michael W. (Verified buyer) 10/23/2020
First time I have purchased First time I have purchased these. They are as advertised with the slight “numbing “ sensation and then the nice spiciness For some dishes you really have to have them. Good purchase

Jackie M. (Verified buyer) 04/11/2020
Fantastic Spices All Around I love how potent all of the spices I've gotten from Spices, Inc. have been, and these peppercorns are no exception! Just a few twists out of the grinder makes a quick stir fry pop with flavor. Would highly recommend!

Thomas M. (Verified buyer) 04/23/2019
Good flavor Good flavor

Chris G. (Verified buyer) 10/15/2018
Sichuan Peppercorns Everything is top notch. Ordering, delivery, packaging, quality. All excellent.

Ted C. (Verified buyer) 03/10/2018
Very good flavor, just like Very good flavor, just like the pepper corns we had in China.

Craig (Verified buyer) 02/24/2018
Sichuan Peppercorns Currently there is rarely a meal I make that does not have Sichuan pepper in it. Sets up the tongue for other spices.
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