Szechuan Peppercorns

Szechuan (Szechwan, Sichuan) Peppers are dried berries with a mild flavor and somewhat citrus fragrance. Often used in Chinese food, especially food from the Szechuan region of China. It is actually not the Szechuan pepper that produces the heat in Szechuan food; it is the red hot chile peppers which are common in the food. Why, then, is Szechuan pepper also used? These peppers cause the lips and tongue to feel a little numb, so that you can really enjoy the overall heat of the food!