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Chinese pepper Calories
Intense flavor, source of antioxidants, used as spice
In season: Summer · Autumn
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
Quick answer
1 tablespoon (medium) of Chinese pepper (6 g) has 19 calories. That works out to 320 calories per 100 g. It contains 3.5 g of carbs, 0.6 g of protein, 0.4 g of fat and 1.5 g of fiber. Its 7.2 mg of Vitamin C covers 8% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 15 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
What is Chinese pepper?
Chinese pepper is the dried, reddish-brown husk of a prickly ash, often called Sichuan pepper. Despite the name, it is not a black peppercorn or a chilli. It is best known in Sichuan cooking, where its citrusy, woody aroma and distinctive tingling, gently numbing sensation are paired with chilli heat. The husks are used whole or lightly crushed; the hard seeds are often removed because they can feel gritty.
Outside China, try it in stir-fries, broths, or marinades, especially with garlic, ginger, and chilli. Its flavour is intense, so start with a small pinch and add more to taste. Briefly warming the husks in oil or dry-toasting them helps release their aroma.
Chinese pepper Nutrition Facts
Selected: 100 g
320
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
58g
· 21% DV
Protein
10.4g
· 21% DV
Fat
6.5g
· 8% DV
Fiber
25g
· 89% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 70% · Protein 13% · Fat 17%
Chinese pepper Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
Vitamin C
120mg · 133% DV
Vitamin A
530µg · 59% DV
Vitamin K
50µg · 42% DV
Vitamin E
4.5mg · 30% DV
Minerals
Manganese
2mg · 87% DV
Potassium ⭐
1200mg · 35% DV
Iron
6mg · 33% DV
Magnesium
120mg · 29% DV
How Nutritious Is Chinese pepper?
Nutrient density
Very high
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Chinese pepper Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Chinese pepper
To burn the 320 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Is Chinese pepper Processed?
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Chinese pepper Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Chinese pepper Good For?
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Chinese pepper Fat Profile
SATURATED
1.2g
MONOUNSATURATED
1.8g
POLYUNSATURATED
2.5g
Omega 6:3 ratio 5:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (5:1).
Compare Chinese pepper
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese pepper
What is Chinese pepper?
Chinese pepper usually refers to the dried husks of a Zanthoxylum plant, commonly sold as Sichuan peppercorn. The reddish-brown husks provide the spice’s distinctive aroma; the dark round pieces inside are seeds.
Is Chinese pepper the same as Sichuan peppercorn?
Usually, yes: Chinese pepper is a common name for Sichuan peppercorn. It is made from the husks of a Zanthoxylum plant, not from black pepper or hot chili peppers.
What does Chinese pepper taste like?
Chinese pepper tastes citrusy, floral, and slightly woody, rather than simply hot. Its aroma is especially noticeable when the whole husks are lightly toasted and freshly ground.
Why does Chinese pepper make your mouth tingle?
Chinese pepper contains compounds that can create a mild tingling or numbing sensation on the tongue and lips. This is different from the burning heat caused by chili peppers.
How do you use Chinese pepper in cooking?
Use Chinese pepper sparingly in stir-fries, noodles, marinades, or sauces. Add it ground near the end for a clear aroma, or cook whole husks in oil and remove them before serving.
Should you remove the seeds from Chinese pepper?
Usually, yes, if you want a smoother, more aromatic ground spice. The husks are the flavorful part, while the dark seeds can feel hard and contribute little aroma.
What dishes go well with Chinese pepper?
Chinese pepper pairs well with dishes featuring chili, garlic, ginger, meat, tofu, or vegetables. It is especially associated with Sichuan-style noodles, stir-fries, and mapo tofu.
How do you toast and grind Chinese pepper?
Toast the whole husks briefly in a dry pan over low to medium heat, just until fragrant, then let them cool. Grind the husks and sift out any hard seeds if desired.
What can I use instead of Chinese pepper?
There is no exact substitute for Chinese pepper’s citrus aroma and tingling effect. A little black pepper with finely grated citrus zest can echo some of its flavor, but not the sensation.
How should Chinese pepper be stored?
Keep Chinese pepper in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place away from light. Store the husks whole and grind them as needed to preserve their aroma.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.