Sichuan Pepper

Sichuan pepper Sometimes called fagara, this aromatic spice has been known since earliest times in China. It is available in small packages from Chinese groceries and other supermarkets and well-stocked spice stores. The small brown husks are where the sharp distinctive peppery taste is, more aromatic than black pepper and almost medicinal tasting. Inside the husks are often small black seeds, bitter-tasting and to be discarded. Fagara is botanically related to sansho (Japanese pepper).