For me I get an intense and nice smell/ flavor of citrus. I can’t pinpoint it, maybe Mandarin. I do not get any kind of numbing / electric feel from it. I have made identical dishes where the only variable is Sichuan Pepper and the result is the same, for me. Some others have a very different experience. I really like the smell and flavor, but I have frankly fucked a few people over when I put in in various dishes or homemade Shichimi .

How do you experience this taste/sensation? And are you a Supertaster?

Reference:

Harold McGee

Sichuan Pepper

Mala

  • OminousOrange@lemmy.ca
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    6 days ago

    I’ve also heard that the peppercorns lose the numbing quality fairly quickly in storage. Might be worth seeking out the freshest ones you can.

    • Cheradenine@sh.itjust.worksOP
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      6 days ago

      I have bought them supposedly fresh in bulk in markets, and commercially vacuum packed less than a month previously and I do not notice a difference. However, friends coming over for dinner do, with the same peppercorns.

      I think I am just not sensitive to it, and I was wondering if there was any prevalence to that.

      • RandomStickman@fedia.io
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        5 days ago

        Personally I’ve never came across anyone who don’t get the numbing feeling from Sichuan peppers. You’re built different maybe lol

        • Cheradenine@sh.itjust.worksOP
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          5 days ago

          Definitely no numbing or tingling electrical sensation like people describe, just a very nice citrus flavor.

          I wish I got that, it seems quite interesting

      • MelonYellow@lemmy.ca
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        5 days ago

        Best way is to buy the whole peppercorns. Make sure they’re a vibrant red, means they’re fresh. Before you grind, to better release the aroma, lightly toast them on low heat over a pan til they’re crunchy and brittle.