March 2025
Fire up your metabolism with Sichuan pepper
Sichuan Pepper
There are many stars of Indo-Chinese cuisine and the Sichuan pepper shines bright among them. Much like the revered cayenne pepper, this deep red spice is not only known for its unique flavour profile, which produces a tingling, numbing sensation in the mouth, but also for a plethora of potential health benefits.
Sichuan pepper is known by many names, including Chinese prickly ash, mala pepper, Szechuan pepper, Mountain pepper, Sichuanese pepper and, also, just plain old Chinese pepper – no doubt because of its prevalence across Chinese cuisine. It is used widely in Sichuan cuisine throughout China, Bhutan and north-east India and is one of the key ingredients in the infamous Schezwan sauce (also known as Szechuan sauce) – a spicy and aromatic condiment that hails from China’s Sichuan province.
This spicy Indo-Chinese classic sauce is loved around the world and features a flavourful blend of dried red chillies, Sichuan pepper, garlic, ginger, vinegar and soy sauce. Bold and intense, it is the perfect dipping sauce for appetisers, like momo dumplings and spring rolls, or as a marinade for meats. A splash can also be used to add intense flavour to noodle dishes and stir fries.
It’s unique fiery flavour profile has won spice fans the world over, but this hot pepper may pack an even bigger punch when it comes to its rich cocktail of potential health benefits.
Here are some of the notable ones:
Pain Relief: Sichuan pepper contains the compound hydroxy-alpha-sanshool, the molecule responsible for Szechuan peppers’ tingle-inducing ability. It is believed to have analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. Some studies suggest it may help with nerve pain or as a mild numbing agent. The intense numbing feeling that Sichuan generates around the mouth is probably its greatest claim to fame.
Anti-inflammatory properties: The compounds in Sichuan pepper may help reduce inflammation. This could make it useful for conditions related to chronic inflammation, like arthritis.
Digestive aid: It is traditionally believed to aid digestion. Sichuan pepper can stimulate the digestive system, help with bloating, and promote the secretion of digestive enzymes.
Boosts circulation: It may help to improve blood circulation. Sichuan pepper, in its original form, is high in iron. Adequate iron intakes ensures there is enough haemoglobin in your body to oxygenate your red blood cells and stimulate the circulatory system, which can be beneficial for overall cardiovascular health.
Antioxidant effects: Sichuan peppercorns contain a high amount of antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in the body. Antioxidants are essential for reducing oxidative stress, which is linked to ageing and various diseases. According to ORAC values testing (a method that measures the antioxidant capacity of a substance) they exhibit over 300% more free radical scavenging activity than black pepper, placing them on a par with the Indian superfood Turmeric.*
Antimicrobial and antibacterial: Studies have shown that Sichuan pepper possesses antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Its high levels of zinc might help to prevent infections and support immune health. Nutrient rich: It contains a variety of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, calcium, and iron, which can contribute to overall health.
The potential health benefits of Sichuan pepper show great promise, although it is important to note that more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
However, there is no question of its potent health benefits in China, where Sichuan pepper is officially included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Known as Huajiao, it is used in over 35 traditional prescriptions for everything from trauma and toothache to stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea.
The peppers themselves should be consumed in moderation and can pose some issues for people with certain conditions like pregnancy or low blood pressure. However, Schezwan sauce, which features greatly diluted quantities of the spice, can be enjoyed more freely.
Schezwan sauce can be a fantastic addition to various western dishes. It is delicious as a dip for fries, to add a kick to your sandwiches, or as a marinade for grilled meats.
Want to add a little Schezwan magic to your menu. Try our recipe for Simple Schezwan Chilli Momos.
LINK TO RECIPE: https://khao-chi.com/recipes/simple-schezwan-chilli-momos/
*ORAC Source: (May 2010) USDA Database for the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of Selected Foods, Release 2 **(Deng et al., 2019; Wang et al., 2015)