Sichuan pepper is a very famous spice from China and is commonly used in Asian cuisine. Meanwhile, Mac Khen pepper is a specialty spice of the Northwest region of Vietnam, used a lot in the dishes of ethnic minorities. And the world has only learned about this spice in recent years, especially chefs from Europe.
Sichuan and Mac khen pepper look quite similar at first glance. Being in the same family Rutaceae and genus Zanthoxylum, so many people confuse that these two spices are the same. However, they are two separate spices with different flavors and uses. Let’s join Doispice to distinguish Sichuan and Mac khen pepper:
About shape and color:
Sichuan pepper is loose round seeds, red when ripe or green. As for Mac khen pepper has many seeds that create a beautiful three-petal flower shape, usually dark brown when ripe or light green.
About the type of tree:
The small Sichuan tree climbs with a blackish stem, has thorns, grows in a bush about 1-2m high, and has many light red branches. Sichuan pepper is widely grown in the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Shanxi of China.
Mac khen tree is a tall and big tree from 14 to 18m, with many thorns growing on its trunk. Every year in June and July, the tree flowers and grows in gray-white clusters. The fruit will ripen in October and November. The fruit is round and the seeds are spherical and shiny black when ripe.
About harvesting:
Sichuan pepper is widely grown in several provinces of China and produces high yields, while Mac khen pepper is mainly harvested naturally in forests. Therefore, output is very limited. But in return, it still retains the typical flavor of the mountains and forests and is completely natural, not affected by any chemicals.
About flavor and usage:
Sichuan pepper has the aroma of lemon, anise, nutmeg and camphor, has a very strong hot and numbing taste, so it is suitable for processing with dishes such as seafood and fresh foods. Besides, this spice is also suitable for making sauces and hot pot dishes with its characteristic rich flavor.
Mac Khen pepper have a very pleasant, mild aroma. The spiciness of Mac Khen is not like chili, it just creates a tingling feeling on the tip of the tongue when eaten, suitable for marinating meats or fish and especially for grilled dishes. Just a little bit of Mac khen pepper is enough to make you unforgettable right after the first try.
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WhatWhat does this spice taste like? What type of spice is it!
It’s Fragrant, numbing and citrusy and wonderful on grilled meat, fish and vegetables, or use it in dipping sauces for fried foods. kind of sichuan pepper