Szechuan berries were already renowned in ancient China. Their citrus yet spicy flavours are ideal with fish, foie gras, chocolate, strawberries and pineapple. Use lightly crushed just before serving.
Assam pepper is picked in the Brahmaputra river valleys, in North-East India.
It releases spicy yet refreshing notes with a zingy tang. Crush it roughly with a pestle and mortar and sprinkle over your winter vegetables, delicate fish or grilled meat.
Discovered in South America, this fake pepper plant was brought to Madagascar in the 19th century.
Crushed or used whole these pink berries, with their resinous fragrance, are perfect with salmon, foie gras, carrot soup and courgette tagliatelle.