The Timut Peppercorn is perhaps one of the most unique and usual spices in the world. It’s not only interesting to look at. It has a very surprising flavor, unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before. 

The Timut Peppercorn isn’t something you’d want to use for everyday uses. Instead, it’s better to reserve it for special applications. 

This could be because the flavor is unique. Or because it can be considered more expensive than traditional peppercorns. 

Then again, we wouldn’t want to hold you back from using it as much as you like – go crazy! 

Let’s talk a little bit about the origin of the very unusual Timut Peppercorn. 

What is Timut Peppercorn?

This unique spice comes from Nepal. They’re a relative of the Sichuan Peppercorn and native to Nepal. The fruits have a small black shell with a sharp grapefruit-like aroma and flavor profile.

Unlike most peppercorns that have dark bold flavors like wood, smoke, and dried fruit. The Timut Peppercorn boasts brighter more nuanced flavors like citrus, fresh-cut grass, and even some floral notes.

That’s one of the reasons why it doesn’t work for every application. Although the ones that it does work for work really well! 

In 2018 the BBC listed Timut Pepper as an on-trend ingredient to give alcoholic beverages. Like gin and tonics for an extra kick. 

We can see that being seriously tasty given the increased citrusy flavors of this peppercorn. 

In the Himalayas, locals have been using the spice for hundreds of years. Celebrating it not just for its incredible flavor but also for its medicinal properties. We’ll get into that some more later!

What does Timut Peppercorn taste like?

Let’s dive into the specifics of what makes the Timut Peppercorn just so darn tasty. 

The spice, while a little singular in complexity does have a very intense flavor profile of citrus. Specifically grapefruit. If you taste very carefully, you can pick out some nuances of lemon, lime, and even yuzu. Although the grapefruit flavor is definitely prominent.

In addition to the blast of citrusy flavor, we would be amiss if we failed to mention the numbing and tingling effect the pepper can have on your tongue.

It’s not something to worry about and is actually quite fun to experience.

The numbing also comes second to the powerful flavor profile. It’s not really something that you’d notice if the spice was mixed into a dish.

We’ll take some time to discuss these amazing peppercorn numbing qualities in the next section. 

The flavor can be so intense that the peppercorns can be used as a replacement for breath mints or gum.

So next time you consider buying that pack of gum, instead consider buying a container of Timunt Peppercorns! 

They’ll freshen your breath and are completely all-natural! This amazing flavor is something that should absolutely be shared with the world. 

While it is nice to consider that the Timut Peppercorns are rare and unusual. Imagine if the spice were as common as vanilla or cinnamon. 

It would make a lovely addition baked into cakes or custards or perhaps used to flavor ice cream. 

We love the idea of Timut Peppercorn ice cream! Perhaps that is just the foodie in us coming out. But we think the general public would appreciate it as well. 

Does Timut Peppercorn make our mouth numb?

Timut Peppercorns will indeed induce a numbing sensation on the tongue. 

Although it’s not quite as severe as you may think. 

Instead of leaving the entire mouth numb and unable to taste or feel sensations, the numbing is more of a buzzy tingling. 

This sensation occurs mostly on the tip and sides of the tongue. Although if you move the peppercorn around in the mouth while chewing you can experience these sensations in the back of your mouth as well. 

The chemicals in Timut Peppercorns that contribute to this effect are called hydroxy-alpha sanshool. 

This numbing sensation isn’t only culinary-related but can also be therapeutic. 

The numbing and tingling can have a calming effect on the body. 

It can also be a stimulant – that same tingling sensation that may calm one person down. And may wake someone else up. 

Imagine having a cup of Timut tea in the morning instead of coffee! That can be the amazing effect of spices. It can be much more than a culinary adventure – it can be an entire mind trip!

How do chefs cook with Timut Peppercorn?

With the intense and unusual flavor profile of the Timut Peppercorn, is it difficult to work with? 

Absolutely not! 

But it definitely does have specific applications that we feel work better than others. 

In reality, anywhere you would plan to use a squeeze of citrus juice. It would be a perfect time to utilize the sweet aromatic Timut Peppercorn. 

The Timut peppercorn is best used for seafood application and vegetables. Cocktails and desserts too! Because of the intense citrusy flavor profile, we feel the peppercorns don’t work well with meat and meatier applications. 

We think this peppercorn is incredible on raw fish preparations. Like crudo, sushi, and ceviche. Or perhaps a generous sprinkling on a slab of cod and then roasting in the oven. Delish!

Cocktails are also an excellent place to show off the incredible flavors of the Timut Peppercorn. 

Try infusing them into a bottle of gin or vodka, or even a simple syrup. 

The bright citrusy aroma will make your next cocktail party a smash hit! Darker alcohols can be used in conjunction with Timut Peppercorn. But you would need to do a longer infusion to really get the flavor to come through. 

The light citrusy notes of the Timut Peppercorn wouldn’t be as prominent as it would in a gin or vodka infusion. 

What’s most interesting about the Timut Peppercorn is its incredible flavor. 

Don’t be afraid to highlight it in a way that really makes it shine. Don’t hide it in a dish. Allow it to shine!

What are the health benefits of Timut Peppercorn?

Timut Peppercorn has a wide range of health benefits. 

These fascinating peppercorns have an incredible flavor, but they can also be good for you too!

• The peppercorns contain a chemical compound called zanthoxylum armatum. This special chemical is found in abundance and has a variety of health benefits.

• Zanthoxylum has been known to improve cognitive performance. It can increase the speed of doing certain tasks. 

• Timut Peppercorns also contain a very interesting type of oil. Essential oil to be precise! 

We don’t have a very good idea of whether or not an essential oil is good for quite yet. One thing is for sure, it certainly smells nice!

• In traditional East Asian medicine, the Timut Peppercorn was used to assist with stomach and digestive problems. That time it is usually prepared with garlic, salt, and water. 

The numbing properties of Timut Peppercorn can actually reduce one’s perception of pain. Isn’t that interesting? 

When someone eats peppercorns, the spice will take over one’s pain receptors. It helps to temporarily alleviate mild suffering. 

It should be noted that peppercorns will not completely heal the source of pain. But instead will act as a sort of buffering compound to temporarily mask the immediate pain.

• Studies have been produced that also demonstrate the specific nutritional properties of the Timut Peppercorns. The spice contains relatively high levels of iron. 

It has been shown to improve the circulatory system. Send more oxygen to your red blood cells. All important functions for a healthy body! 

When your body has low amounts of iron, it can leave you feeling tired or even dizzy. 

Not good! If low iron is a condition you happen to suffer from. Eating more Timut Peppercorns can help. 

• Additionally, Timut Peppercorns have been shown to contain high levels of zinc. Don’t sleep on the importance of zinc in the body. It’s a crucial element to be aware of! 

When your body contains the appropriate amount of zinc, it allows the immune system to function at its highest level. It will naturally help your body to fight infections. And quickly recover from an otherwise daunting illness or injury. 

• Timut Peppercorns have also been thought to contain compounds that translate to anti-inflammatory effects on your body. It is possible that the spice will improve your circulation. It also works to reduce your blood pressure.

Where can I buy Timut Peppercorns online?

Timut Peppercorns can easily be found online. It can be purchased from a multitude of sources. A simple Google search will reveal several options. 

Of course, for the freshest Timut Peppercorns of the highest quality, we recommend you purchase from Lafayette Spices. You won’t be disappointed!

End Note

One of the best aspects of the Timut peppercorns is their ability to last for long periods of time. it won’t lose that distinctive flavor. 

So, although it might be a little bit more expensive than traditional peppercorns. It does have a longer shelf life. And a little goes a long way! It should last you quite a while.