Flavor: Pungent/Citrusy/Floral
Major Flavour Compound: Sanshools
Parts Used: Fruit rinds
Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Indian prickly ash or teppal/tirphal) is a Rutaceae spice tree used from India to Southeast Asia. Its dried fruit husks yield an aromatic, citrusy spice with a mild numbing sensation owing to sanshool compounds. In western India it seasons fish and coconut stews; in northern Vietnam (“mắc khén”) it flavors grilled meats and sauces. The spice resembles Sichuan pepper but is regionally distinct. The fruit’s essential oils are rich in sabinene and related terpenes, and traditional uses extend into folk medicine.
