Wild mountain pepper - Ma Khaen berries

What is wild pepper?

Wild pepper (Zanthoxylum rhetsa), also known as Forest Pepper or Mat-Khen, is a rare pepper native to Vietnam. It is found at altitudes of over 2,000 m, in a mountainous region close to Laos and China.

The oldest pepper trees can exceed 20 meters in height.

Mac-Then pepper is a member of the Rutaceae family. It is the husk that is consumed. It develops citrus and hawthorn flower aromas. Rich in flavor, it lacks the pungency of its cousins, Sichuan pepper and Timut pepper. On the contrary, it preserves the flavor of products such as fish, white meats and foie gras.

Harvesting Mat-Khen or wild mountain pepper

The " Forest Pepper of Vietnam " is extremely complicated to harvest, for two reasons:

A remote and difficult-to-access region

This pepper plant is found in the mountainous regions of north-western Vietnam. The 500 km journey from Hanoi to the areas where the Rhetsa tree grows takes several days. That's why this rare pepper is harvested exclusively by local ethnic groups.

A tree with a surprising peculiarity

Another special feature of the wild pepper tree is its trunk, which is covered with long thorns. This peculiarity makes harvesting complicated, especially as the seeds are located at the top of the tree.

David Vanille's choice: I chose this pepper for its unique flavours of citrus and white flowers. Its rarity and the quality of its production make it an exceptional product. Another advantage is that it goes equally well with world and Western recipes.

Differences between wild peppercorns and Sichuan peppercorns

Although they belong to the same family, Forest Pepper and Sichuan Pepper are quite different. Forest Pepper is distinguished by its sweetness on the palate, while Sichuan Pepper is more pungent, with a tendency to numb the tongue and palate.

The origins of mountain pepper

Wild mountain pepper is native to Lai Chau, a province in north-western Vietnam. Its name comes from the mountainous environment in which it is found (at over 2000 m altitude), but above all from the place where the berries are found on the Rhetsa tree: the top.

The first traces of pepper in Vietnam date back to the 18th century. Brought over by the Chinese, its cultivation was developed during the colonial period by the French.

Did you know? vietnam is the world's leading pepper producer. It alone accounts for 50% of the world's pepper exports.

Vietnamese pepper today

Today, pepper is one of the most common spices in Vietnamese cuisine. It is also one of the mainstays of the agricultural sector of the country's economy.

Pepper of the peaks is known by many different names. So if you see any of the following names, you'll know that we're talking about Vietnamese wild pepper:

• French names: poivre des cimes, poivre sauvage des cimes
• English appellation: Forest pepper
• Vietnamese names: Mac-Khen, Mat-Khen, Ma Ka Khaen, Ma Kwaen

How to use wild pepper in cooking?

Mac-Khen is a rare variety of pepper that seduces with its citrus notes and floral aromas. It's perfect for use in both traditional and creative cuisine.

Tip: Remember to crush your pepper berries with a mortar and pestle or a knife blade, for a tenfold increase in aroma.

Our recipe ideas with rare pepper

With its specific aromas imbued with the humidity of the remote regions where it is grown, mountain pepper brings a unique flavor to your dishes. Highlighted on a carpaccio or added to a single dish, it adds an exceptional touch to your recipes. Here are a few culinary ideas for incorporating this rare pepper into your menus.

The starter: Beef carpaccio with peppercorns

A light cold starter which, without perfect seasoning, could lack taste. Choose a quality virgin olive oil, opt for a few turns of coarse salt mill rather than fine salt, and finish with a few wild peppercorns. Serve with vinegared arugula and Parmesan shavings.

The dish: Vegetable wok with honey and Mac-Khen pepper

There are hundreds of wok recipes, and this Asian method of cooking over a high heat preserves the crunchiness of the vegetables and all their gustatory qualities. Onions, carrots and oranges are the main ingredients in this vegetarian recipe which, for poultry lovers, goes perfectly with duck. Add a spoonful of honey at the end of cooking and a few peppercorns of Mac-Khen pepper from Vietnam.

Dessert: Chocolate mousse and Forest Pepper custard

A classic revisited to our great delight. Chocolate goes perfectly with pepper, so don't hesitate to add a few grinds to the preparation. Once you've made your chocolate mousse with pepper, top with crème anglaise and add a few red fruits and a kumquat... a real delight!

How to store pepper?

Peppercorns are very resistant. To enjoy your Vietnamese wild peppercorns for many years, store them in a dry, airtight jar or tin.