Szechwan Pepper

Szechwan pepper is made from the dried berries of the prickly ash tree (Zanthoxylum piperitum), which is native to the Szechwan province of China. The dried red or brown berries look similar to black peppercorns, although they have a warmer aroma and a woodsy flavour that is less sharp than black pepper.

Available either whole or ground, Szechwan pepper (also spelled Sichuan or Szechuan) is a popular spice in Chinese cuisine, and is one of the ingredients in Chinese five spice powder. This type of pepper works particularly well with duck and chicken dishes, and is the essential spice for seasoning Szechwan crispy duck.