Food Encyclopedia

Szechwan

Also spelled Szechuan, the term describes cooking and ingredients native to the Szechuan province of China. They are characterized by Szechuan pepper, a mildly hot spice that comes from the prickly ash tree. Though not related to the peppercorn family, Szechuan berries resemble black peppercorns but contain a tiny seed. Szechuan pepper has a distinctive flavor and fragrance. It can be found in Asian markets and specialty stores in whole or powdered form. Whole berries are often heated before being ground to bring out their tantalizing flavor and aroma. Szechuan pepper is also known as anise pepper; Chinese pepper; fagara, flower pepper, sansho and Sichuan pepper.