Ingredient Name:  Sichuan pepper or aniseed pepper or chinese pepper

• Sichuan pepper is the outer pod of a tiny fruit (with the seed discarded)
• Despite the name, it is not related to black pepper or chili peppers
• It is very aromatic, woody, slightly spicy and has very slighty lemony overtones
• Sichuan pepper is typically used in combination with ginger and star anise and as a base for spicy foods

How do I prepare it?

• These is no preparation required for this dried spice although you may lightly toast the sichuan peppers and grind them before use

Where can I buy this?

• Sichuan peppers are a moderately priced spice and can be purchased in most Asian grocery stores and some Western supermarkets

Any substitutes?

• Black pepper and red chili flakes (although they are a poor substitute)

Any benefits?

• Some believe the sichuan pepper can be used for treating certain gastro-urinary disorders

Any precautions?

• It has a numbing effect on the lips when eaten in large doses.

Resources:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sichuan_pepper