Szechwan pepper is not actually a pepper, but rather a berry from a prickly ash tree native to the Sichuan province in China. It has a spicy, earthy flavour with a citrus overtone, and produces a slight numbing effect when eaten. To maximise its flavour, dry-roast Szechwan pePper before grinding it.
Available from Thrupps, Main Ingredient and Sprigs, The Food Shop.
TRY THESE RECIPES USING SZECHWAN PEPPER
Roast duck with potatoes and plum sauce
Seared five-spice duck with Asian greens and ginger-and-wasabi coconut cream
Japanese-style broth with smoked pork and sansho