Green Szechuan berry

Culinary use of Green Szechuan berry

Green Szechuan pepper is highly appreciated and widely used in Chinese cuisine. Moreover, its fresh and fruity flavors make it easy to incorporate into many dishes in our daily lives!

Some suggestions for using Green Szechuan berry

Try Green Szechuan berry and you won't be able to do without its surprising and intense aromas! This berry is a true Swiss army knife in the kitchen.

It pairs wonderfully with seafood, meats, and starches.

Green Szechuan berry (or Green Sichuan Pepper) brings an original touch to stir-fries, soups, or marinades.

It also harmonizes perfectly with sweet dishes. You can use it to flavor beverages with its delicious and intense aroma. It works wonders in desserts, such as chocolate mousse or fresh fruit salad. Green Szechuan berry truly delights the taste buds!

Here are some recipe ideas using Green Szechuan berry:

• - Cherry and Green Szechuan berry Clafoutis: Before baking, add ½ teaspoon of Green Szechuan berry to the mixture, then mix and bake;
• - Grilled Shrimp with Green Szechuan berry: Grill the peppers in a pan for a few minutes, then add the shrimp to marinate for 2 to 3 minutes on each side;
• - Turbot Fillets with Green Szechuan berry: During the cooking of the turbot, add ½ teaspoon of Green Szechuan berry on the fish;
• - Green Szechuan berry Chocolate Fondant: Before incorporating the beaten egg whites into the mixture, add 2 teaspoons of Green Szechuan berry.

Green Szechuan berry, an Explosion of Flavors

Its flavors of lime, dried flowers, and tangy cherries pair perfectly with semi-cooked duck foie gras, sautéed green asparagus, or a chocolate fondant. Green Szechuan berry has a peppery flavor with notes reminiscent of green tea, providing a refreshing sensation. Harvested before maturity, Green Szechuan berry has a subtle acidity and a slight spiciness that can cause a temporary numbing effect.

Botany of Green Szechuan berry

Focus on the Botany of Green Szechuan berry

Green Szechuan berry belongs to the species Zanthoxylum piperitum in the Rutaceae family, just like citrus fruits. That's why Green Szechuan berry has flavors similar to those of lemons, oranges, or grapefruits.

How does Green Szechuan berry grow?

Cultivated in Asia, Green Szechuan berry gets its name from its main region of origin, Szechuan in China. It is a shrub with purple foliage that gives birth to these small berries. Initially green, they turn red and then brown as they mature. They split open to release the two seeds they contain, and we get to enjoy their flavorful husk! Green Szechuan berry is harvested before maturity, while the husk of the berry is not yet split open.

Why is Green Szechuan berry also called "Sichuan pepper"?

Green Szechuan berry has a similar appearance and size to peppercorns, which has led to its designation as a type of pepper.

Green Szechuan berry Through the Centuries

Origins of Green Szechuan berry

Already prized in ancient China for its mix of freshness and warmth, its power, and its aphrodisiac properties, Green Szechuan berry would even have filled the "pepper rooms" of the palace of Chang'an with its enchanting scent.

It made its appearance in Europe in the 13th century when Marco Polo brought it to Venice, where it captivated chefs and perfumed all dishes before falling into culinary oblivion. It wasn't until the late 19th century that Green Szechuan berry made a strong comeback. Now, it charms both amateur cooks and top chefs alike!