Sichuan cuisine is delicious, but one of it's main ingredients is known to have some interesting effects. Here's the science ...

You may think from the name that chin jiew gai – Sichuan pepper chicken – is a Sichuan dish, but it’s actually a dish in Chiu Chow (Teochew) cuisine. The spice is quite unusual for Chiu Chow ...

Sichuan pepper is sold as whole berries or a ground powder. Try to buy the freshest berries you can, as they quickly lose their pungency.

Hot pepper, an important flavoring in Sichuan cuisine, was introduced into China only 200 to 300 years ago. During the period of the Three Kingdoms, the kingdom of Shu was located in Sichuan.

This Sichuan peppercorn spice rub offers an unusual but delicious variation to the usual leg of lamb. The meat goes very well with spring onion pancakes or naan, but, if you don't feel like making ...

This indulgent gnocchi dish, unusually spiked with Sichuan peppercorns, is perfect for a late summer or early autumn all-in-one dinner – addictively good. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.

Crush cardamom pods and remove seeds. In a dry pan over medium heat, toast cardamom seeds, Sichuan peppercorns and star anise, shaking pan, until very fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.