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