Zanthoxylum bungeanum facts for kids

Zanthoxylum bungeanum is a type of plant that belongs to the Rutaceae family. This family also includes citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. This plant is well-known because it is one of the main sources of the unique spice called Sichuan pepper.

This plant originally comes from many parts of China, including North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast China. It also grows in the East Himalayas, Inner Mongolia, Manchuria, Qinghai, Tibet, and Xinjiang. You can also find it in Nepal. Over time, it was also brought to Uzbekistan.

What is Sichuan Pepper?

Sichuan pepper is a special spice that comes from the dried outer husks of the seeds of the Zanthoxylum bungeanum plant. It is very popular in Chinese cooking, especially in the Sichuan province.

How Does Sichuan Pepper Taste?

Sichuan pepper has a unique flavor that is hard to describe. It is not spicy hot like chili peppers. Instead, it creates a tingling, numbing, and slightly citrusy feeling in your mouth. This feeling is often called "ma la," which means "numbing and spicy" in Chinese.

How is it Used in Cooking?

Chefs use Sichuan pepper in many dishes to add its special flavor. It is often used in stir-fries, soups, and noodle dishes. It pairs well with chili peppers to create the famous "ma la" taste that is a key part of Sichuan cuisine.

Where Does Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Grow?

This plant is native to many regions across Asia. It thrives in various climates found in these areas.

Native Regions

• North-Central China
• South-Central China
• Southeast China
• East Himalayas
• Inner Mongolia
• Manchuria
• Nepal
• Qinghai
• Tibet
• Xinjiang

Introduced Regions

• Uzbekistan