Sichuan Peppercorn
Sichuan Peppercorn (Part 2) Pericarpium Zanthoxyli
Sichuan Peppercorn (Two-lobed, like deflated balls, reddish-purple, bumpy and shriveled on the outside, smooth yellow-white on the inside, with a strong, spicy, and pungent aroma)
【Name】
【Source】
Classified as a medium-grade herb in the Ben Jing (Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic)
【Frequency of Use】
B
【Botanical Origin】
Dried pericarp of Zanthoxylum schinifolium S. et Z. and Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim., both belonging to the Rutaceae family.
【Characteristics】
The pericarp is usually split open on the ventral side, or slightly split on the dorsal side, appearing as two lobes, resembling a cut-open deflated ball. The base is connected, with a diameter of 4~5㎜. The surface is reddish-purple, rough, with stigma remnants at the apex. The base often has a small fruit stalk and 1~2 undeveloped carpels, appearing granular. Occasionally, there are 2~3 small follicles growing together at the tip of the fruit stalk. The outer pericarp surface is extremely shriveled, with many wart-like raised oil glands, each with a diameter of 0.5~1㎜. The inner pericarp is smooth, light yellow, and often separates from the outer pericarp at the base, curling inward. Sometimes, residual black seeds can be seen. The pericarp is leathery, with a unique and strong aroma, and a numbing, spicy, and long-lasting taste. Stir-fried Sichuan peppercorns: The surface appears reddish-brown and glossy.
Similar in shape, red Sichuan peppercorns are brownish-red or reddish-purple in color, with a unique aroma, and a spicy, numbing, and long-lasting taste. Green Sichuan peppercorns are grayish-green to brownish-green, slightly smaller in size, fragrant, with a slightly sweet taste followed by spiciness.
【Processing】
1. Raw Sichuan Peppercorn 2. Stir-fried Sichuan Peppercorn
【Identification】
《Zun Sheng Ba Jian》: “Shu peppercorns are bluish-white in color, and those with a tortoise-shell pattern are of good quality.”
The best quality is determined by large size, purplish-red color, sufficient oil content, and a strong aroma.
【Category】
Fruits