Red Sichuan Pepper
Red Sichuan Pepper
Red Sichuan Pepper
Red Sichuan Pepper
Red Sichuan Pepper
Red Sichuan Pepper

Red Sichuan Pepper

Red Sichuan Pepper, often confused with pepper, is distinguished by its unique flavor and exceptional aroma . This spice reveals woody notes followed by a warm intensity . Its scent, intensely lemony and slightly resinous.         

It is a lively , fruity and spicy condiment , flirting with a touch of bitterness . The red Sichuan berry is the perfect ally to enhance both savory dishes and sweet creations , bringing a touch of exoticism to each bite.         

  • Bay Power : 8/10
  • Main notes : A symphony of flavors where citrus notes mingle with floral accents   
  • Use : Perfect for versatile cooking , from savory to sweet 
  • Origin : China and Bhutan   

At Comptoir de Toamasina , we are proud to offer you red Szechuan bay, an aromatic treasure that captivates the senses. Discover this berry with captivating flavors, buy the red Sichuan berry at the best value for money. 

Packaging
PCS150
€15.30

 

Whole Red Sichuan
Pepper Berries

"Red Sichuan Pepper Berries, often confused with true black pepper, stand out with their unique flavor profile: rich woody notes followed by warm intensity, a vivid citrus fragrance, and subtle resinous undertones."

Woody Warmth

Harvested at full maturity, offering warmer, floral, and resinous notes than its green cousin.

Zanthoxylum piperitum

A true botanical berry from the Rutaceae (citrus) family, cousin to Timut pepper, grown in China and Bhutan.

Intensity 8/10

An explosion of flavor where citrus notes blend seamlessly with floral accents and a signature electric tingle.

It is a vibrant, fruity, and mildly pungent spice, flirting with a delicate hint of bitterness. Red Sichuan pepper is the perfect culinary ally to elevate both savory dishes and sweet creations, adding an exotic flair to every bite.

  • Berry Intensity: 8/10
  • Main Notes: A symphony of flavors where citrus notes meet floral accents
  • Usage: Versatile across sweet and savory cooking
  • Origin: China and Bhutan

Botanical Note: Botanically speaking, this spice belongs to the Rutaceae family (citrus family) rather than the Piper nigrum family. It is famous worldwide for producing a unique tingling and numbing sensation on the tongue (often referred to as málà in Chinese gastronomy).

Comparative Sensory Analysis

Red Sichuan vs Green Sichuan vs Timut

Three relatives, three distinct characters

Citrus
Floral
Woody
Tingling Effect
Red Sichuan
Green Sichuan
Timut

Arnaud's Note: "The red berry delivers warmth and woodiness, harvested at full maturity. The green berry stays on fresh jasmine and lime. Timut, its Nepalese cousin, is even more citrusy but packs far less tongue-numbing effect."

Red · Green · Timut

Whole Red Sichuan Pepper Berries

Technical Sheet

What You Receive

Whole red Sichuan pepper berries.

  • Country of originChina or Bhutan
  • Botanical speciesZanthoxylum piperitum
  • IngredientsRed Sichuan pepper berries
  • Aromatic power8/10
  • AllergensNone — no trace elements
  • PackagingJar, Mill, and Pouch
  • Preparation / DeliveryPrepared in 24h, delivered in 48h
  • ReferencePTM30

Our Formats

  • 20g Jar — €3.69
  • 150g Resealable Pouch
  • 500g Vacuum Pouch

Also available in refillable mills and bulk kilograms for larger volumes.

What Is Red Sichuan Pepper?

Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum piperitum) is not a true pepper in the botanical sense (genus Piper), but rather the outer husk of a berry from a citrus family shrub (Rutaceae). Native to China's Sichuan province near Tibet, it is renowned for its reddish husks and unique taste.

An Ancient History

Used for over 3,000 years, Sichuan pepper carries a rich history. In ancient China, it was cherished for its culinary and aromatic qualities. Emperors used it to flavor imperial court banquets. Its popularity later spread to Japan and Korea.

Cultivation and Harvest

After three years of growth, the shrubs begin producing red berries. Harvesting is a meticulous process. In autumn (October), farmers hand-pick ripe berries while carefully avoiding thorny branches. The berries are sun-dried to preserve their fragrance and crisp texture. The red husks open to release the hard black inner seed (which is discarded due to its bitter taste), leaving only the fragrant outer husk.

Great Red Sichuan Terroirs

Two regions stand out for exceptional red berries. In Hanyuan (Sichuan), farmers harvest what was historically known as "tribute pepper": celebrated for its balanced strength and floral elegance.

In Gansu, the Wudu and Maiji regions produce large ruby-red berries known for denser, woodier notes of mountain cedar and wild pine.

What Does Red Sichuan Pepper Taste Like?

Red Sichuan pepper offers a sensory experience like no other. It is famous for its mild numbing effect (paresthesia) on the tongue and lips, creating a vibrating tingle. Aromatically, it bursts with zesty notes of lemon and lemongrass, accompanied by floral (lavender, pine) and woody accents. The finish reveals sweet notes reminiscent of cherry liqueur.

How to Cook with Red Sichuan Pepper

Expert Tip: Gently dry-toast the berries in a skillet before use to wake up their essential oils, then coarsely crush or grind them.

  • Salmon & Fish: Adds a fresh, citrusy dimension.
  • Poultry (Chicken, Duck): Essential in Asian marinades and stir-fries.
  • Beef: Its woody profile perfectly complements a pan-seared steak.
  • Chocolate & Red Berries: Try the pairing—combining it with dark chocolate or strawberries is intriguing and delicious.

Arnaud's 8 Favorite Recipes

  • Sichuan Mule Cocktail: Vodka, fresh lime, ginger beer, and crushed red Sichuan pepper.
  • Sichuan Pepper Chicken Stir-Fry: With soy sauce, honey, garlic, and fresh ginger.
  • Mango & Shrimp Salad: Fruity freshness and subtle spice for an exotic starter.
  • Honey & Sichuan Pork Tenderloin: Oven-roasted with soy sauce and sesame oil.
  • Spiced Hot Chocolate: Steep the berries in warm milk before melting dark chocolate into it.
  • Zesty Lemon Fish Fillet: Pan-seared with lemon zest and red Sichuan pepper.
  • Sichuan Ice Cream: Steep the berries into custard base before churning.
  • Beef Skewers: Marinated in soy and honey, grilled to perfection.
Whole Red Sichuan Berries Bulk

How to Store Red Sichuan Pepper

Store red Sichuan berries in their original packaging or an airtight glass jar, away from direct sunlight and heat variations, to preserve their full aromatic potency for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a true pepper?
Botanically, it belongs to the Rutaceae (citrus) family rather than Piper nigrum. However, it is universally known and used as Sichuan pepper due to its appearance and flavor profile.
What is the difference between red and green Sichuan pepper?
Red Sichuan pepper is harvested at full maturity, offering warmer, woodier, and resinous notes. Green Sichuan pepper, harvested early, is fresher, more floral, and zesty.
How do I unlock the best flavor from these berries?
Lightly dry-toast them in a dry skillet before crushing or grinding—this significantly heightens their woody and citrusy essential oils.
How long can I store red Sichuan pepper?
Several years when kept in an airtight container, stored in a cool, dry place away from direct light.

"The red berry represents the warmth and woodiness of Sichuan's mountains—the one you rediscover every time you compare it to its fresher green cousin."

Order Red Sichuan Pepper

Zanthoxylum piperitum · China or Bhutan · Selected by Arnaud Sion

Native country
China or Bhutan
BOTANICAL SPECIES
Zanthoxylum piperitum
INGREDIENTS
Red Sichuan Pepper
AROMATIC POWER
08/10
ALLERGEN
Absence
POSSIBLE TRACES OF ALLERGENS
None
PACKAGING
Bottle, Mill and Bag
Preparation / Delivery
Preparation within 24 hours - Delivery within 48 hours
No reviews

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