Sanshō

Sanshō is the spice produced from the dried fruits of the Japanese prickly ash tree (Zanthoxylum piperitum) in the citrus family (Rutaceae). It is one of the spices used in the famous Japanese seven-flavor blend, shichimi togarashi. The leaves (kinome) are also used as a garnish. It is a close relative of the Sichuan pepper and the West African spice uzazi. All three spices impart a characteristic numbing effect on the tongue and lips due to the compound sanshool.