Wholesale Szechuan

01.
A Bit of Botany

considerations for growing and cultivating szechuan

description
Zanthoxylum simulans is a spreading shrub or sometimes small tree of the Rutaceae family that can grow to heights of 7 meters.

The plant's pinnate leaves are 7-12.5 centimeters long, with 7-11 leaflets—the leaflets are 3–5 centimeters long and 1.5–2 centimeters broad. There are The stems and leaf petioles have numerous short spines, and large knobs on the branches.

The plant's flowers are produced in slender cymes, each flower about 4–5 mm diameter. The 3–4 mm berry that is produced has a rough reddish brown shell that splits open to release the black seeds from inside.

The husk or hull (pericarp) around the seeds are referred to as Szechuan or Szechuan pepper and may be used whole or powdered as a spice.

common names & nomenclature
The botanical name comes from xanthon xylon meaning "blond wood" in Greek. This name is in reference to the brightly colored sapwood evident in several of the species.

Also known as:
indonesian lemon pepper, szechwan pepper, szechuan pepper, szechuan, sichuan pepper, chinese prickly-ash, flatspine prickly-ash)

02.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting szechuan

climate
Grows on hillsides and in open woods, in sun to shade.

soil
Seed is best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, plant out in the garden the following summer.

growing
This plant is easily grown in loamy soils in most positions, however it prefers a good deep well-drained and moisture-retentive soil.

harvesting
The shiny black seeds have a very gritty sand-like texture, and are therefore discarded or ignored during harvesting. Focus is on the husks around the seeds. These husks are collected and used whole or are powdered.

preserving
Store whole szechuan pepper (seed husks) or powdered szechuan in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

03.
The Rest of the Story

additional information

Formulas & recipes
Szechuan pepper recipes
The Szechuan pepper is a staple in Chinese cuisine, especially when it comes to flavoring meat dishes like pork, duck, and chicken. Szechuan is one of the famous spices in Chinese five-spice powder, a blend that is extremely popular for flavoring any Chinese-inspired or Chinese dish. Cooking with Szechuan pepper gives dishes a distinct, lemony flavor. Unlike black pepper, Szechuan lacks pungency and heat and mostly lends itself to a mild lemon taste.

04.
Where in the World

habitat and range for szechuan

Zanthoxylum simulans, the plant that gives us the spice Szechuan pepper, is native to eastern China and Taiwan.