Sichuan Pepper Whole 500g

The Citrusy, Tingling Spice Behind Sichuan Cuisine's Famous Ma-La Sensation

Embark on a sensory adventure with Spice n Easy's Authentic Sichuan Pepper. This is not a true pepper, but a unique berry husk renowned for creating the signature "ma-la" (numbing-tingling) sensation that is the heart of bold Sichuan cuisine. With its distinctive citrusy, floral aroma and mouth-tingling effect, it is the essential, non-negotiable ingredient for classic dishes like Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, and Dan Dan Noodles.

We bring you whole, premium-quality husks to ensure maximum freshness and potency. Toast and grind them yourself to unlock their full, captivating flavour and characteristic numbing power.

Key Benefits & Features 

• Authentic Ma-La Sensation: Delivers the unique tingling, numbing effect that defines the flavour profile of Sichuan cuisine.

• Complex Citrus & Floral Notes: Offers a bold, aromatic flavour with hints of lemon and pine, unlike any other spice.

• Whole & Premium Quality: Sold as whole husks to preserve their volatile oils and potent characteristics until you're ready to use them.

• Essential for Sichuan Cooking: The key ingredient for authentic Mapo Tofu, Chongqing Chicken, and countless other recipes.

• Versatile in Spice Blends: A crucial component in Chinese Five-Spice Powder and homemade chilli oil.

• 100% Natural: Pure Sichuan pepper with no additives.

Unlock the Unique flavour of Authentic Sichuan Pepper

Ready to move beyond ordinary heat? Spice n Easy's Sichuan Pepper offers a completely different culinary experience. Its active component, hydroxy-alpha-sanshool, doesn't bring heat like chilli but instead triggers a gentle, buzzing numbness on the lips and tongue (the "ma"), which complements the fiery heat of chillies (the "la") to create the complex and addictive ma-la sensation.

How to Use Sichuan Pepper:

1. Toast: Gently toast the whole peppercorns in a dry pan over low heat for 1-2 minutes until very fragrant. This step is crucial for awakening their complex aromas.

2. Grind: Use a mortar and pestle or spice grinder to coarsely grind the toasted peppercorns. Sieve to remove any black seeds and hard stems, which can be bitter.

3. Use: Add at the end of cooking or as a finishing spice to preserve its aroma and numbing quality.

Classic Dishes to Create:

• Mapo Tofu: The iconic dish where Sichuan pepper's ma-la sensation is on full display.

• Kung Pao Chicken: Provides the characteristic tingling backdrop to the sweet, sour, and spicy sauce.

• Homemade Chilli Oil: Infuse into oil with chilli flakes and other aromatics for a condiment that upgrades any noodle or dumpling dish.

• Spice Rubs: Incorporate into rubs for meats that will be grilled or roasted.

• Five-Spice Powder: Grind with star anise, fennel, cloves, and cinnamon to make your own authentic blend.

A Note: The tingling sensation is a unique and intended part of the experience! Start with a small amount if you're new to it.

Your Gateway to Authentic Regional Chinese Cooking

At Spice n Easy, we are passionate about providing Kiwis with authentic, high-quality spices from around the world. Our Sichuan Pepper is a testament to that—a truly unique product that invites you to explore the bold and captivating flavours of one of China's most famous culinary regions.

Add a bag of this unique spice to your cart and experience the true taste of Sichuan!