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Spicy exchange / 2023

Exploring the vibrant flavor of Tien Tsin peppers

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What are Tien Tsin peppers?

Tien Tsin peppers, sometimes called Chinese red peppers, are vibrant small red peppers commonly utilized in various culinary preparations, such as the renowned kung pao chicken.

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Tien Tsin peppers, also referred to as Tianjin peppers, originate from northeastern China, specifically Tianjin.

Where are Tien Tsin peppers from?

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How hot are they?

Tien Tsin peppers deliver substantial heat that will tantalize the taste buds. These peppers generally fall within the 50,000 to 75,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) range on the Scoville scale. That's hotter than jalapeños while still milder than habaneros.

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Tien Tsin peppers offer a distinctive taste experience primarily defined by their potent spiciness. These peppers bring heat to the palate, with the level of spiciness varying depending on the maturity of the pepper.

What do they taste like?

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Common culinary uses

Tien Tsin peppers find widespread use in Asian cuisine, particularly in East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. These peppers have made a notable impact on culinary traditions across the region.

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Tien Tsin peppers are small red chili peppers known for their heat. On the other hand, Sichuan pepper (sometimes also spelled Szechuan peppers) usually refers to Sichuan peppercorns or “Chinese prickly ash”.

Tien Tsin peppers vs. Sichuan pepper

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Where to get them

Tien Tsin peppers can sometimes be obtained from local Asian grocery stores. If you can’t find these peppers locally, marketplaces such as Amazon offer the convenience of purchasing dried Tien Tsin peppers.

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