Steenbergs Sansho Pepper

Sansho Pepper is similar to Sichuan Pepper but comes from Japan. It is a sub-species within the Sichuan Pepper family and from the Zanthoxylum simulans tree. It has a hot, numbing flavour.

To use, discard the seeds and twigs and use the shells, which is where the heat and taste lives.

Axel’s Tasting Notes: Sansho Pepper – Aroma: Starts spicy menthol then delicately floral and lemon-lime, with sweet Muscat notes. Flavour: Initially sharp and tangy lemon-lime, then long fresh numbing sensation that hints of camphor and makes mouth water.

Food Ideas: Sansho Pepper works best to flavour noodle dishes and spicy soups, especially fish, meats, and poultry. Other ideas: smoked salmon, poelée of shitake mushrooms, poached poultry, salmon, fruit salads and grilled eel.