Eating in China
Generated guide illustration of dried red Sichuan peppercorn husks

Sichuan peppercorns

花椒Huājiāo

A citrus-scented spice whose husks can create a tingling, numbing sensation.

Type
Spices

A CLOSER LOOK

How to recognize it

Small reddish split husks; remove hard dark seeds and stray stems. This spice is different from black pepper.

In the kitchen

Used whole to scent cooking oil or ground into dishes such as mapo tofu.

Green Sichuan peppercorns have a different aroma. Numbing strength depends on the product and amount used.

Ask about this ingredient

这道菜里有花椒吗?

Does this dish contain Sichuan peppercorns?

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