Dried berries of Zanthoxylum rhetsa, a citrus-scented relative of Sichuan pepper used along India's Konkan coast. Only the hollow husks are used; the shiny black seed inside is discarded to avoid bitterness, leaving a fresh, tingly, lemony aroma prized in coastal fish and shellfish curries.
Where it comes from
Western Ghats and the Konkan coast of India.
In the kitchen
Aromatic, gently numbing spice for Konkani and Malvani seafood curries; a few berries are lightly crushed and added whole.