Sichuan Pepper

Spice

Sichuan Pepper

Sichuan pepper is the dried husk of Zanthoxylum species, delivering citrus aroma and a tingling, numbing sensation (málà) rather than chilli heat. Red and green types differ in fragrance; both are toasted and ground for Chinese cookery. Not related to black pepper. Remove shiny seeds if present—the husk holds the flavour.

Also known as: Huājiāo, Sanshō, Timur, Andaliman

Track this ingredient

Unit

Cuts & parts

Breeds & varieties

A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.

View all

Characteristics

Preparations

CrackedDriedFreshGroundPowderRoastedToastedWhole

Provenance

BiodynamicExport GradeFair TradeHand HarvestedNon-GMOOrganicPesticide FreeSingle OriginSun Dried

Sources

Indoor FarmedOutdoor FarmedWild

Traits

AromaticBrightCitrusFloralNumbingPepperyTinglingWoody

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 389

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 9.01 g
  • Saturated Fat 1.8 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 2.7 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 4.51 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Sodium 39.7 mg
  • Salt 0.11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 65 g
  • Dietary Fibre 25 g
  • Total Sugars 3 g
  • Complex / starch 15 g
  • Protein 12 g
  • Water 9 g

Dried spices are concentrated plant tissue—fibre-heavy by weight, used in gram doses.

In the kitchen

Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Sichuan Pepper.

Pairs well with

Classic and complementary matches

Usually avoid with

Often clash in flavour or tradition

History

CN

Zanthoxylum peppercorns were used in Chinese cookery long before New World chillies arrived.

CN

Pairing of Sichuan pepper with chilli created the signature málà flavour of Sichuan cuisine.

Dried red Sichuan peppercorns entered global Chinese grocery trade.

Green Sichuan pepper and specialty grades gained international chef attention.

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙

Rejoining the server...

Rejoin failed... trying again in seconds.

Failed to rejoin.
Please retry or reload the page.

The session has been paused by the server.

Failed to resume the session.
Please retry or reload the page.