Sichuan Peppercorns, also spelled Szechwan and Szechuan, are back after a long absence.Sichuan pepper (xanthoxylum peperitum) is native to the Sichuan province of China and is not related to black pepper (peper nigrum), which is native to India. Before Asian cultures were introduced to chile pepper, Sichuan pepper was used along with ginger to give heat to many dishes.