Is salty tongue effect normal after eating sichuan peppercorns?
I've used sichuan peppercorns many times previously and never had this effect before where my tongue becomes salty for a while after eating it. Normally I would just get the buzzy, numbing effect but now my tongue becomes salty and everything I eat afterwards tastes salty. I wonder if it's because I'm using a different brand or whether I used too much, or possibly whether there is contamination or something with the peppercorns.
Has anybody else experienced this? Is there any risk posed if I continue to eat these? I don't mind the effect, but I don't want any permanent damage to my taste buds.
Best Answer
Yes. This happens to me. Some scientists are investigating the possibility of using the peppercorns as a means of reducing people's salt intake.
Potential of Szechuan pepper as a saltiness enhancer, Tram Hong Le Bao, Siree Chaiseri and Yaowapa Lorjaroenphon, International Journal of Food Properties 21(1), pp533-545.
Pictures about "Is salty tongue effect normal after eating sichuan peppercorns?"
Quick Answer about "Is salty tongue effect normal after eating sichuan peppercorns?"
Yes! This has happened to me. I ate Szechuan cuisine a few times and love spicey food. One time when I ate it I got salty tongue and everything tasted over salty.Are Sichuan peppercorns salty?
Bitter and salty were the two basic tastes of Szechuan pepper (Fig. 1).Do Szechuan peppercorns make your tongue numb?
Sichuan peppercorns produce a phenomenon called paraesthesia, in which the lips and tongue feel as though they are vibrating and go vaguely numb \u2013 known as m\xe1.Can you be allergic to Sichuan peppercorns?
While not a common allergen, Sichuan peppercorns cause an intense tingling and numbing sensation in the mouth, which can simulate oral symptoms of an allergic reaction.Are Sichuan peppercorns toxic?
The seeds themselves are tasteless; it's the fragrant pink husks of the peppercorn that are valuable. Like some other habit-forming items, Sichuan peppercorns are actually toxic when ingested in large quantities.How to Cook With Sichuan Pepper (+ Sample Recipes!)
More answers regarding is salty tongue effect normal after eating sichuan peppercorns?
Answer 2
Did anyone else eating your Szechuan Peppercorn dish experience the same effect? That would isolate if the problem is specific to you, or something with the spice.
I know table salt enhances your tongue's taste buds to taste sweetness, but I haven't read anything on spices that enhance your ability to taste salt.
Any chance you are experiencing a cold or infection? That can cause taste disorders. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taste-disorders
Did you recently switch where you get Szechuan Peppercorns from? If so try a different brand. You may discover your current batch is contaminated. If so please file a consumer safety report. In turmeric, lead contamination can make it taste sweet, with a rash of lead contamination reports in the past. https://www.foodsafety.gov/report/problem/index.html
It is normal for Szechuan Peppercorns to cause a confusing sensation in your mouth and tongue. For most people it is a sensation of numbness or having a touch sensation everywhere. https://www.thespruce.com/szechuan-peppercorn-info-694248
I hope you find an answer. Usually with spices the effects are temporary.
In the case of cilantro it was discovered why some people hate it - they have a gene that makes cilantro taste like soap! http://mentalfloss.com/article/91060/why-does-cilantro-taste-soap-some-people
Answer 3
Yes! This has happened to me.
I ate Szechuan cuisine a few times and love spicey food. One time when I ate it I got salty tongue and everything tasted over salty. The next time - same thing but more extreme. Next time I could barely eat anything.
My husband has also experienced the same.
Answer 4
I also experienced the same thing! Like someone dumped a spoonful of salt in my mouth. One other person at the table had the same issue, but the other few didn't. I'd never had the "salty tongue" effect in the past.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Rachel Claire, Andrea Piacquadio, Matheus Bertelli, MART PRODUCTION