Wild Pepper from the peaks - Vietnam

What is wild peppercorns pepper?

The wild Pepper of the peaks (Zanthoxylum rhetsa), also known as Forest Pepper or Mat-Khen is a rare pepper native to Vietnam. It is found at more than 2,000 m above sea level, in a mountainous region near Laos and China.

The oldest pepper plants can exceed 20 meters in height.

The wild pepper of the peaks (Mac-Then) is part of the rutaceae family. It is its husk that we consume. It develops aromas of citrus fruits and hawthorn flowers. Rich in flavors, it does not have the spicy taste of its cousins, Sichuan pepper and Timut, on the contrary, it keeps intact the flavor of products such as fish, white meat and foie gras.

The harvest of Mat-Khen or wild peppercorn from the summits

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

A remote and inaccessible region

This pepper tree is found in the mountainous regions of northwestern Vietnam. It takes several days of travel from Hanoi to cover the 500 km journey and reach the areas where the Rhetsa tree grows. That's why this rare pepper is exclusively harvested by local ethnic groups.

A tree with a surprising particularity

Another specificity of the wild peppercorn tree: its trunk covered with long thorns. This particularity makes picking complicated, especially since the peppercorns are located at the top of the tree.

David Vanilla's Choice: I chose this pepper for its unique citrus and white flower flavors. Its rarity and the quality of its production make it an exceptional product. Another advantage is that it can be used in both world and western recipes.

Differences between wild peppercorns and Szechuan pepper

Although they are from the same family, Forest Pepper and Szechuan pepper are quite different. Forest Pepper from the peaks is characterized by its sweetness in the mouth while Szechuan pepper is more pungent with a certain propensity to anesthetize the tongue and palate.

The origins of Pepper from the Peaks

Pepper from the peaks is native to Lai Chau, a province in northwestern Vietnam. Its name comes from the mountainous environment where it is found (at over 2000 m altitude), but especially from the place where the berries are found on the Rhetsa tree: the summit.

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

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

Vietnamese pepper nowadays

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

Pepper from the peaks is known under different names. Also if you see one of the following names, you should know that we talk about the wild Vietnamese pepper of the tops:

• French appellations: Pepper from the peaks, wild pepper from the peaks
• English name : Forest pepper
• Vietnamese appellations: Mac-Khen, Mat-Khen, Ma Ka Khaen, Ma Kwaen

Other uses of pepper

In addition to spicing up your dishes, pepper brings a number of benefits. This is also the case of pepper from the peaks of Vietnam.

Pepper has virtues:

• Anti-inflammatories
• Painkillers
• Digestives
• Nutritional: pepper is rich in vitamins B, C, K, iron, magnesium and phosphorus

How do you use Pepper of the Peaks in cooking?

Mac-Khen is a rare variety of pepper that seduces for its citrus notes and floral aromas. It has its place in both traditional and creative cuisine.

Tip: Remember to crush your pepper berries using a mortar or a knife blade, you will increase their aromas tenfold.

Our recipe ideas with rare pepper

With its specific aromas marked by the humidity of the remote regions where it is grown, Pepper of the Peaks brings a unique flavour to your dishes. Highlighted on a carpaccio or added to a unique dish, it brings an exceptional touch to your recipes. Here are some culinary ideas to integrate this rare pepper into your menus.

The starter : Beef carpaccio with peppercorns pepper

A light cold starter that, without perfect seasoning, might lack flavour. Choose a quality virgin olive oil, favour a few turns of coarse to fine salt mill and finish with a few grains of wild peppercorns from the peaks. Serve with a vinegared arugula and a few shavings of Parmesan cheese.

The dish : Wok of vegetables with honey and pepper Mac-Khen

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

Dessert: Chocolate mousse and Forest Pepper custard

A great classic that we revisit for our greatest pleasure. Chocolate goes perfectly with pepper, so we don't hesitate to add a few turns of the mill in the preparation. Once your peppered chocolate mousse is made, coat it with custard and add a few red fruits and a kumquat... a real delight!

How to store pepper?

Peppercorns are very resistant. To enjoy your wild peppercorn from the peaks of Vietnam for many years, keep it dry in an airtight jar or in an iron box.