Sechuan Button / Szechuan Buttons / Spilanthes oleracea

[halleyscomet.livejournal.com]

Many of you encountered the Szechuan Button Sorbet from this most recent Baitcon. For those who did not, Szechuan Buttons are buds that produce an electrical / tingling sensation in the mouth that can last for a few minutes. Not everyone experiences this effect. I know at least one attendee (not named here so as to avoid people pestering him) still has some in supply and had offered me a few to use for seed.

Sadly, it looks like the buttons are the unmatured flowers, which means it's unlikely I will be able to retrieve viable seeds from a button. Don't worry though, I've found at least one potential seed source.

By the way, the leaves contain the same active chemical as the bud. :)

There has been talk of using it in other forms. I have learned that some folks use it in sauce as well as in mixed drinks. I still don't know if the effect survives long term exposure to alcohol such as in a liquor or fermented beverage, but once I have a few growing plants I plan to do some experimentation.

Comments

[42itous.livejournal.com]

I'd be interested in trying it in some form that doesn't involve alcohol. I was too distracted by how gross the alcohol was to pay attention to whether I got the electrical sensation.

[halleyscomet.livejournal.com]

I've seen some interesting pairings mentioned online. Pomegranate or concord grape for example. On a more sinister note, it's also been used in sushi in a recipe called "electric eel." Whuffle and Sunspiral were discussing a smoked eel flavor for next year...

[42itous.livejournal.com]

Hmm. Eel. With teriyaki sauce. But I think I'm done with trying to pair seafood with dairy, and sorbet just doesn't do it for me. Wait... eel sushi... with rice milk! That could work!

[halleyscomet.livejournal.com]

Smoked eel rice milk sorbet with szechuan buttons...

I like this idea. I like it a LOT.