Vietnam Mac Khen Pepper – Unique Wild Spice from the Northwest Highlands

1. Introduction

VINAHUGO CO., LTD proudly supplies Vietnam Mac Khen Pepper (Hạt Mắc Khén) — a rare wild spice from the northwestern mountains of Vietnam (Điện Biên, Sơn La, Lai Châu). Known as the “soul of Northwest cuisine”, Mac Khen belongs to the same family as Sichuan pepper but has a more refined, citrus-like aroma with a mild numbing sensation and deep smoky undertone.

Used for generations by ethnic Thai people in Vietnam, this spice adds authentic aroma and complexity to grilled, boiled, and stir-fried dishes — a signature of highland culinary culture.

2. Product Description

• Product Name: Mac Khen Pepper / Wild Zanthoxylum / Hạt Mắc Khén Tây Bắc

• Scientific Name: Zanthoxylum rhetsa (syn. Zanthoxylum armatum)

• Type: Whole dried berries or ground powder

• Color: Dark brown to black

• Aroma: Citrusy, woody, slightly spicy

• Flavor: Tingling, mildly numbing with floral aftertaste

• Origin: Northwest Vietnam (Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Son La)

• Shelf Life: 18–24 months

• Certification: HACCP | ISO 22000:2018 | C/O | PHYTO | FDA

3. Features & Flavor Profile

• 100% wild-harvested from natural forests, sun-dried and roasted

• No preservatives or chemical additives

• Distinct spicy-citrus aroma, slightly numbing like Sichuan pepper

• Enhances the flavor depth of meat, fish, or dipping sauces

• Considered a traditional medicinal spice for digestion and circulation

Taste Notes:
🌿 Citrus aroma similar to lime peel
🔥 Mild heat, not burning like chili
🌸 Floral fragrance with numbing sensation
🌾 Smoky and earthy aftertaste

4. Applications & Usage

• Seasoning: Use roasted Mac Khen to season grilled buffalo meat, chicken, or fish (thịt trâu gác bếp, gà nướng, cá nướng)

• Dipping Salt: Mix with chili and salt to make muối chẩm chéo

• Marinades: Combine with garlic, lemongrass, and lime for strong aroma

• Culinary Uses: Adds flavor to sauces, soups, and stir-fried dishes

• Export Markets: Japan, Korea, China, and EU for ethnic food industries

5. Packaging & Export Information

• Retail Packaging:

  • 100g / 200g / 500g zipper pouches or glass jars

• Bulk Packaging:

  • 5kg / 10kg vacuum-sealed PA bags or cartons

• Storage: Keep in cool, dry place (<25°C)

• Loading Port: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Delivery Time: 7–15 days after order confirmation

• Export Standards: HACCP | ISO 22000:2018 | C/O | PHYTO | FDA

• Shipping Terms: FOB, CIF, or CFR as requested

6. Contact Information

VINAHUGO CO., LTD
📞 Phone: +84 909 735 434 (WeChat – WhatsApp)
📧 Email: info@vinahugo.com | vinahugo.info@gmail.com
🌐 Website: vinahugo.com
💬 WhatsApp: Click to chat directly