Sichuan pepper is a spice that is widely used in Chinese cuisine, especially in the southwestern province of Sichuan.
It has a unique flavor that is not spicy like chili peppers, but rather creates a tingling, numbing sensation in the mouth. Sichuan pepper also has a citrusy aroma and a slightly bitter taste. Some people describe Sichuan pepper taste like lemony with a hint of woodiness.
Sichuan pepper is often combined with other spices, such as garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon, to create complex and rich dishes that balance heat, sweetness, sourness, and saltiness.