Tingly Mac Khen Pepper

Fragrant, numbing and tingly, a woodsy relative of Sichuan pepper.

$9.99
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Asia Garnishing Meat & Poultry Peppercorns Salt & Pepper Veggies Vietnam Wild Grown Show More

Our Tingly Mắc Khén Pepper is related to Sichuan pepper, and it grows wild in the high mountains of Northern Vietnam. Mac Khen is considered the soul of Northwest Vietnamese cuisine: many dishes of the Thai ethnic group use Mac Khen. Fragrant, numbing and citrusy, it’s wonderful on grilled meat, fish and vegetables, or use it in dipping sauces for fried foods.

    Highlights

    Origin:

    Lào Cai, Vietnam

    Process:

    Sun-dried

    Heat index: Mild
    Tasting notes:

    Orange Zest • Fresh Air • Buzz

    Pairs well with:

    Wind-Blown Sea Salt, Cobanero Chili Flakes, Purple Stripe Garlic

    Ingredients

    Mac khen pepper (Zanthoxylum rhetsa)

    Kosher
    non gmo clear
    non irradiated clear
    no preservatives clear
    Salt Free

    Cooking tips

    • Grind fresh over meats and roasted veggies
    • Bloom in oil and make tofu stir-fries
    • Use as a substitute for Sichuan pepper in any recipe

    Recipes

    Sourcing

    We worked with our longtime partners at DACE, a social enterprise in the northern highlands of Vietnam, to connect with the farmers growing this very special variety of pepper. DACE works with farmers in the Hmong ethnic minority to transition to growing high-value, heirloom spices using regenerative practices. Farming in the remote highlands of northern Vietnam is not easy. The region's mountainous landscape and climate aren't suitable for producing large food crops such as rice or corn. Growing spice varieties allows farmers to use traditional organic practices on small fields, which are irrigated by collected rain water.

    Buffalo Ginger was the first crop that farmers began to grow in collaboration with DACE. The regional conditions and soil quality resulted in an intense, flavorful ginger perfect for dehydrating and grinding. DACE supplies training and seedlings to farmers and sterilizes, dries and grind the freshly harvested spices and prepares them for export. They control the quality of their products and provide meaningful economic opportunities from seedling to export.

    DACE, named for the small, resilient river fish of the same name, plays an important role in partnering with local farmers to facilitate these economic opportunities, drive gender equality and move toward more sustainable agricultural practices.

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