DISCLAIMER: Product images are for illustration purposes only. Actual product characteristics including but not limited to size and colour may vary due to variations in harvesting and seasonal availability.
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Botanical Name: Zanthoxylum piperitum
Country Of Origin: China
English Name: Szechuan Peppercorn
French Name: Poivre du Sichuan
Also Known As: Sichuan Pepper, Japanese Pepper, Prickly Ash, Hua Jiao
Part Used: Dried fruit husks (pericarps) of Zanthoxylum piperitum
Description: Szechuan Peppercorn is obtained from the dried fruit husks of Zanthoxylum piperitum, a deciduous aromatic shrub or small tree native to East Asia, especially Japan, Korea, and parts of China. The plant typically grows between 2 and 5 metres tall, producing thorny branches with pinnate green leaves that release a citrus-like aroma when crushed. During late summer through early autumn, clusters of small green seed pods mature into reddish-brown husks. When fully ripe, the pods split open naturally to reveal glossy black seeds, which are removed, leaving behind the fragrant outer shells used as peppercorns.
After harvesting, the husks are carefully separated from stems and seeds, then gently dried using controlled air or low-temperature methods to stabilise moisture while preserving colour and texture. The dried peppercorns appear as lightweight, hollow shells with curled edges and a wrinkled surface. This process maintains the botanical integrity of Zanthoxylum piperitum while producing a visually authentic whole spice with consistent size and structure.
The finished Szechuan Peppercorn displays warm reddish-brown tones with crisp, open husks and a naturally textured surface. The pieces are uniform, free flowing, and stable during storage, retaining their characteristic appearance and structure over time. Their whole form supports flexible use, including crushing, grinding, or infusing as needed.
Uses: Szechuan Peppercorn is commonly used in culinary applications, particularly in Asian cuisine, where whole husks are toasted, crushed, or ground for use in stir-fries, sauces, marinades, soups, rice dishes, and spice blends. They are also suitable for flavour-infused oils, beverage infusions, decorative culinary presentations, cosmetic formulations, bath products, and craft projects. Whole peppercorns are frequently included in educational botanical collections to demonstrate fruit husk development and seasonal harvest cycles. Their intact format allows for precise portioning, fresh grinding, and versatile use in both home kitchens and professional food environments, offering consistent quality and visual appeal.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in a sealed container.
Safety & Disclaimer: Statements and products through out this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness. Individual results may vary. Always seek the advice or consult your health care provider for your health concerns. If you are pregnant or have a medical condition please consult your health provider prior to use.
