Timur pepper

Timur Berry is a remarkable spice native to Nepal, renowned for its exotic aroma and unique flavor. It gives off a scent reminiscent of both grapefruit and lemon, with notes of other exotic fruits depending on its intensity. Regarding its flavor, the Timur berry offers a delicately fruity and flowery taste, with a slight spicy, warm and anesthetic note, which lingers on the palate with a fresh and tangy aroma.  This spice is also known by various names, such as Timut pepper, Tejpal, grapefruit pepper, Nepalese pepper, pomelo pepper or Timur pepper. It belongs to the rare false pepper family and comes from the Zanthoxylum armatum plant, endemic to Nepal. The consumed part of the Timur berry is the pericarp, the covering of the spice.  Timur berry has varied uses, from medicinal properties to water purification and making toothbrushes. It is also common in the gastronomy of the Terai, the region where Buddha was born.  When it comes to health benefits, Timur berry is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a natural pain reliever, especially to relieve toothache and oral problems. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious and toning properties. It is known to alleviate joint pain and infections, including abscesses and meningitis.  Timur berry can be used in different ways in cooking, whether ground, crushed, pounded, roasted or infused. Its tangy taste and lemony aroma make it versatile for seasoning a variety of dishes, including fish, seafood, meats such as beef, chicken and duck, as well as vegetables. It is perfect for spicing up sauces, marinades, soups and sweet dishes, such as fruit salads, compotes, ice creams and mousses. It can also flavor hot drinks and pairs well with other spices such as cinnamon, turmeric and tonka bean.  To fully reveal its flavor, it is advisable to grind the Timur berry at the last moment using a wooden pepper mill, to fully enjoy its unique aroma and taste.