Timur, also spelled timbur, is often sold in India as Nepali Sichuan pepper. Shoppers reasonably ask whether it is the same spice used in Sichuan cooking. The answer is that the two are close relatives, and one kind of Sichuan pepper is the same species as timur.
The short answer
Both timur and Sichuan pepper are the dried fruit husks of Zanthoxylum shrubs, a genus in the citrus family. Timur is Zanthoxylum armatum, which grows across the Himalayan hills from Pakistan through Nepal and northern India to Bhutan. The red Sichuan pepper common in Chinese cooking is mainly Zanthoxylum bungeanum. Green Sichuan pepper, sold in China as qing hua jiao, is largely Zanthoxylum armatum, the same species as timur.
Why it tingles
Neither spice is hot in the way chilli is. Both contain a compound called hydroxy-alpha-sanshool, which causes a tingling, slightly numbing feeling on the lips and tongue. Chinese cooks pair this with dried chilli in the flavour known as mala.
How they taste different
Red Sichuan pepper has a warm, woody smell. Timur is sharper and more citrus, often described as smelling of grapefruit or lemon peel. Since timur and green Sichuan pepper are the same species, they taste alike.
How timur is used in Nepali and Sikkimese cooking
- Ground into tomato achar and the chutney served with momos.
- Added to aloo dum, potato curries and pickles.
- Used in meat dishes, especially pork and goat.
- Toasted lightly in a dry pan, then crushed just before use.
Can you substitute one for the other?
Yes, in most recipes. Use timur where a recipe asks for Sichuan pepper and expect a brighter, more citrus result. For Sichuan dishes such as mapo tofu or hot pot, timur works, though the flavour will lean toward green Sichuan pepper. Use a little less at first, as the tingle builds.
A note on tirphal
Tirphal or teppal, used in Konkani and Goan fish curries, is another Zanthoxylum species (Zanthoxylum rhetsa). It belongs to the same family of flavours but is a different spice from timur.
Where to buy timur
NE Origins sells whole timur peppercorns in a 30g pack. Read Cooking with Timbur for recipes.
