Sechuan Buttons: A Guide to the Electrifying Edible Flower

With a unique, tingling sensation that hits your taste buds like a gentle electric shock. Sechuan Buttons create a buzzing, sparkling effect that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. 

Whether you're a daring chef or an adventurous eater, these edible flowers are the perfect way to surprise your senses. Elevate your dishes with a playful twist. Ready to electrify your plate? Let's dive in!

What Are Sechuan Buttons?

Sechuan Buttons, known in some areas as Buzz Buttons or Szechuan Buttons, are vibrant, electrifying edible flowers that offer a sensory experience unlike any other. These small, bright yellow blooms create a tingling, buzzing sensation on the tongue. More like an electric shock than a traditional flavor.

Botanically speaking, these zesty gems are Acmella oleracea, part of the Asteraceae family. Despite their various nickname, like Sichuan Buttons, Toothache Plant, Jambu, Sansho Buttons, and Electric Buttons - they're not related to Sichuan peppercorns. Their shared name reflects their ability to deliver a numbing sensation, not a peppery kick.

With a slight hint of lemon, Sechuan Buttons produce a sparkling, fizzy effect that makes them a standout ingredient in both taste and texture. 

For chefs and adventurous food lovers alike, Sechuan Buttons offers a fresh, unexpected way to enhance your creations. Grown year-round in Long Island, New York, these velvety flowers are native to Africa and China. Yet they have become a favorite among culinary innovators across the globe. 

The buttons pair perfectly with a variety of dishes, from beef stir fry to shrimp wontons, and even find a home in beverages like a zesty Negroni or lemon sorbet. They’re an edible garnish that not only looks appealing but also packs an electrifying punch!

Origins and Historical Background of Sechuan Buttons

Although their culinary popularity has surged in recent years, Sechuan Buttons have roots in traditional African and Chinese herbal medicine. Historically used for their stimulating effects and medicinal properties, these flowers were prized for their ability to enliven the senses and awaken the palate. 

Over time, chefs began to embrace their unique properties, experimenting with the buttons in modern cuisine to surprise and delight diners. Today, they are a popular addition to dishes and drinks, offering both an unexpected sensory experience and a touch of history on the plate.

How Do Sechuan Buttons Create an Electric Sensation?

Sechuan Buttons don’t just enhance flavors; they deliver an electrifying sensory experience. The key to this effect is spilanthol, a compound found in the Acmella Oleracea plant, also known as the toothache plant. When eaten, spilanthol interacts with nerve endings, creating a series of sensations that include:

• A tingling, buzzing feeling in the mouth
• Temporary numbness, similar to mild Novocaine
• Increased salivation and a cooling, fizzy effect

These sensations intensify the longer the flower is chewed, making Sechuan Buttons an interactive, unforgettable ingredient for any dish or drink.

Understanding the Tingling, Sparkling Effect of Sechuan Buttons

The tingling sensation created by Sechuan Buttons is comparable to the effect of:

• Pop Rocks candy, which crackles and fizzes in the mouth.
• Szechuan peppercorns, which create a numbing and tingling effect, though Sechuan Buttons produce a lighter, more refreshing buzz.
• Mint, with its cooling and invigorating feel, but much stronger and focused on stimulating nerve endings.

The flower’s mild lemon flavor complements the sparkling sensation, while its numbing effect adds an unexpected twist, leaving diners with a lasting, unforgettable experience.

What Happens When You Eat It?

Eating a Sechuan Button creates a distinctive sensory experience:

• Tingling Sensation: Your tongue starts to tingle, your mouth fills with saliva, and your taste buds get a unique, almost electric feeling.
• Surprising Effects: The bigger the flower, the stronger the effects. It’s like licking a battery. Strange and electrifying!

How Sechuan Buttons Compare to Other Edible Flowers

While most edible flowers bring subtle flavors or colors to a dish, Sechuan Buttons offer something completely different: sensation. Here’s how they stack up against other edible flowers:

• Taste Experience: 

Sechuan Buttons offer a mild lemony taste, but the focus is on the tingling, buzzing sensation they create. Other flowers, like lavender or pansies, focus more on adding floral or herbal flavors. Also, flowers like Nasturtium Flowers bring peppery notes.

• Mouthfeel: 

Unlike the delicate petals of most edible flowers, Sechuan Buttons have a velvety texture and a semi-dense interior that releases spilanthol when chewed.

• Sensory Impact: 

Most edible flowers enhance the visual or aromatic aspects of a dish. Like edible flowers like True French Lavender, Marigold Flowers, or Pansy Flowers, which offer delicate flavors and visual appeal. 

Sechuan Buttons directly engage your senses with their electrifying effect, creating a full-on taste adventure that no other flower can replicate.

• Culinary Uses:

 Sechuan Buttons shine in experimental culinary settings:

• They can be paired with cocktails to give drinks a fizzy, tingling twist.
• Used in sorbets and desserts, they add a surprising element that complements citrusy or refreshing flavors.
• In savory dishes like stir-fry, sushi, or seafood, their buzz cuts through richness, offering a balance of texture and sensation.

What Is the Flavor Profile, Texture, and Color of Sechuan Buttons?

Sechuan Buttons provide a multi-sensory experience that's as unusual as it is entertaining.

Flavor Profile

Imagine popping a tangy, lemony burst of excitement in your mouth—Sechuan Buttons deliver just that! These little yellow wonders provide a zesty, grassy flavor with a subtle tart kick, almost like a playful whisper of citrus. But wait, there’s more! They also give your taste buds a thrilling surprise, kind of like if Pop Rocks and lemon had a dance party in your mouth.

Texture

Picture the softest velvet you’ve ever touched, and then imagine it as a flower. That’s the texture of Sechuan Buttons! They’re velvety and smooth, almost like a plush pillow for your taste buds. Eating one feels like indulging in a soft, floral cloud with a hint of surprise.

Color

These buttons are not just any yellow—they’re the kind of bright, sunny yellow that makes you think of a perfect summer day or a field of cheerful daisies. Their vibrant color is a showstopper, adding a splash of sunshine to your dishes and drinks, and making everything look a bit more festive and fun.

How to Use Sechuan Buttons

Sechuan Buttons are the pop rocks of the flower world. They add a fizzy, tingling sensation to your culinary creations, making them a fun and unusual ingredient for both food and drinks. 

Here’s how you can make the most of these fizzy flowers:

Kick Up Your Cocktails

Mixologists have embraced the fun and unique qualities of Sechuan Buttons. The fizzy, mouth-tingling sensation they provide can add an exciting twist to your favorite drinks. You can:

• Experiment with Cocktails: 

Use them in cocktails like the Electric GinGer Button or the vodka-based 'Lectric Carrot, both of which you can find on Marxfoods' website. These recipes offer different levels of tingle depending on your preference.

• Creative Garnish: 

Drop a whole flower into your drink to surprise your guests with a burst of flavor and fizz.

Add Fun to Your Food

Sechuan Buttons aren’t just for drinks, they can transform your dishes, too:

• Innovative Garnish: 

Top salads, soups, and desserts like sorbets with Sechuan Buttons. Use just the petals for a milder reaction, or go all in for a more intense experience.

• Chef’s Choice: 

Notable chefs like Ferran Adrià have used them in creative ways, such as in “electric milk,” a unique treat with dehydrated milk and Sechuan flower.

Why do Sechuan Buttons Stand Out?

Fun Factor

The fun factor of Sechuan Buttons cannot be overstated. Their unusual sensory effects often lead to interactive dining experiences where diners are intrigued and entertained by the buzzing sensation. This playful element makes them a conversation piece and a highlight of any meal or event.

Historical and Modern Significance

Sechuan Buttons have been used in South American folk medicine for centuries to numb toothache and sore throat pain. Their popularity in modern cuisine and mixology is a recent phenomenon. Their ability to stimulate the entire mouth and enhance flavors has made them a sought-after ingredient in contemporary culinary and beverage innovations.

Multi-Sensory Experience

As we already mentioned in the previous sections Sechuan Buttons provide an extraordinary multi-sensory experience. That is hard to find in other ingredients. 

When you eat them, your tongue experiences a tingling, buzzing sensation. This tingling effect is accompanied by a numbing sensation and an increase in salivation, creating a distinctive and memorable experience for your taste buds.

How Can Chefs and Home Cooks Use Sechuan Buttons in Their Recipes?

 

Sechuan Buttons can be a game-changer for both chefs and home cooks, adding an exciting and unexpected element to various dishes. Here’s how they can be used, recommended by our top Chef Taylor Knapp.

 1. Zesty Buzz Cocktail

To prepare this zesty cocktail you need 1.5 oz gin (or vodka if preferred), 1 oz fresh lemon juice and 0.75 oz honey syrup (1:1 ratio of honey and hot water, stirred until dissolved). And lastly Sechuan Button for garnish. And of course Ice cubes. Optional: sparkling water.

After all the ingredients are ready now let’s get started with this recipe. Mix equal parts honey and hot water until fully dissolved. Let it cool. In a shaker, combine the gin (or vodka), fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.

Now strain the cocktail into a chilled glass. Place the Sechuan Button on the rim of the glass or serve on the side. Eating the button before sipping creates a tingling sensation in the mouth, enhancing the flavor experience.

Top with a splash of sparkling water for added fizz. Your zesty drink is ready!

2. Tingly Honey-Lemon Aioli

To make it you need ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 Sechuan Button, finely chopped or crushed, 1 tbsp honey, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard (optional for extra flavor), and 1 clove garlic, minced. And of course salt and pepper according to your taste.

Finely chop or crush the Sechuan Button into small pieces. This will add a tingling sensation to the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon mustard (if using).

Stir in the finely chopped Sechuan Button, distributing it evenly through the sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with hot, crispy French fries.

3. Buzzy Garlic & Herb Vinaigrette

To make the flavorful Vinaigrette, you need 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic, minced, and 1 tsp dried oregano (or any dried herb of your choice). And lastly 1 Sechuan Button, finely chopped or crushed and salt and pepper to taste.

Finely chop or crush the Sechuan Button to release its tingling effect. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, and Sechuan Button. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and well-emulsified. Now add salt and pepper to taste. Let the dressing sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend, then toss with your salad.

4. Electric Garlic Soy Stir-Fry Sauce

You need 3 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a sweeter option). 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp fresh ginger and minced. Lastly, 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening) and 1 Sechuan Button. Optional: 1 tsp chili flakes for heat.

Finely chop or crush the Sechuan Button for its unique tingling sensation. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and the Sechuan Button. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce and stir well to combine.

In a hot pan or wok, stir-fry your vegetables or protein. Once almost cooked, pour the sauce into the pan and toss until everything is well coated and the sauce thickens slightly. For a spicier kick, add chili flakes while cooking. Your Electric Garlic Soy Stir-Fry Sauce is ready!

When and Where Can You Buy Szechuan Buttons in New York?

If you’re itching to add a thrilling twist to your culinary creations with Sechuan Buttons, New York offers excellent sources for these electrifying edible flowers. Whether you're a professional chef or a passionate home cook, you have convenient options to get your hands on these unique blooms. Here’s how you can find and order Sechuan Buttons in the Big Apple:

Availability and Seasonal Information

Sechuan Buttons are available throughout the year, though their peak freshness is often best enjoyed during their primary growing season. In New York, you can easily access these vibrant flowers from top local and online sources.

Locally Grown in Long Island, New York

For those seeking locally sourced Sechuan Buttons, Flavour Fields in Long Island, New York, is a premier option. Visit www.flavourfields.com for more information.

Known for their exceptional quality and variety, Flavour Fields supplies edible flowers to chefs and distributors. Their edible flowers are a top choice for wholesale and professional use. Chefs and culinary professionals can explore their offerings and establish partnerships for a steady supply of premium blooms like Sechuan Buttons. 

How Can You Order Szechuan Buttons?

Ordering Sechuan Buttons online is a easy peasy work. Here’s how you can do it.

Simple Ordering Process

• Online Shopping: You can browse our selection of edible flowers and edible leaves, including Sechuan Buttons. You’ll find a range of high-quality options to suit your culinary needs. For direct consumer purchases, WeQook is your go-to source for Sechuan Buttons. 

Next-Day Delivery Information

• WeQook: Enjoy the convenience of next-day priority overnight shipping with WeQook. Place your order before noon, Monday through Thursday, and receive your Sechuan Buttons the very next day. 

For those who prefer to pick up their flowers, WeQook offers a fast processing time with orders ready for pickup within 24 hours. Note that a $50.00 minimum order is required for delivery service.

With these excellent options, obtaining Sechuan Buttons in New York is both simple and efficient. Whether you go for the local excellence of Flavour Fields or the convenience of WeQook’s online service, you’re guaranteed to find the freshest, most vibrant flowers to elevate your dishes. Happy cooking!

Why Chefs Love Szechuan Buttons

Sechuan Buttons have become a favorite among chefs and mixologists for their extraordinary ability to transform the dining experience. Here’s why these electrifying edible flowers are making waves in the culinary world:

• Sensory Overload: 

Michelin-starred chef Marc Forgione uses Sechuan Buttons to take his dishes to the next level. By serving the buttons before a bite of kampachi tartare, Forgione creates a multi-sensory experience. The buttons awaken the palate, making each bite of food not just a taste but an adventure.

• Flavor Enhancer: 

Chef Bruce Kalman of Union in Pasadena is known for his inventive use of Sechuan Buttons. In his beet cappelletti dish, the flowers add a fizzy, peppery kick that complements the vibrant pasta and vegetables. Kalman likens the sensation to discovering a “sixth taste,” which adds an unexpected and delightful layer to his dishes.

• Cocktail Revolution: 

Mariena Mercer, chief mixologist at The Cosmopolitan’s Chandelier Bar in Las Vegas, has created a buzz with “The Verbena,” an exotic margarita garnished with Szechuan Buttons. 

Mercer’s cocktail design revolves around the buttons’ ability to enhance flavors. Chewing the button before sipping intensifies the citrus and adds a zesty spice, making each sip a memorable experience.

• Creative Applications: 

Sechuan Buttons are not just for high-end restaurants. They’re also great for home cooks looking to impress. Chef Forgione suggests using the buttons as a fun party element, guests pop them in their mouths and then taste various foods, amplifying the flavors. Kalman recommends mixing them with olive oil, chiles, and garlic for a burst of flavor that’s sure to intrigue.

• Home Accessibility: 

For those eager to experiment with Sechuan Buttons at home, they’re readily available through distributors like Flavour Fields and Online Farm Stand WeQook, which offers them in various quantities. Start with a small amount to gauge their impact and gradually increase as desired.

 

How Are Sechuan Buttons Ensured to Be Safe and Fresh?

Ensuring that Sechuan Buttons are both safe and fresh involves a careful balance of stringent safety protocols and meticulous freshness practices. Here’s how it’s done:

Food Safety Standards

Sechuan Buttons available from WeQook adhere to the highest food safety standards. We ensures that every stage of production, from cultivation to packaging, meets global benchmarks for safety and hygiene. 

It’s like having a VIP pass to the safest, cleanest, and most secure food production process. WeQook’s commitment to these standards guarantees that your Sechuan Buttons are not only delicious but also safe to enjoy.

Ensuring Quality and Freshness in Delivery

Maintaining the vibrancy and zing of Sechuan Buttons requires careful handling and transport. Once harvested, these vibrant blooms are swiftly packed to lock in their freshness. We ensure your Sechuan Buttons arrive in peak condition, ready to add that extra pop to your dishes or drinks.

From farm to table, every step is designed to ensure your Sechuan Buttons are fresh, safe, and bursting with that signature zesty sparkle! 

FAQs About Sechuan Buttons

1. What Are Sechuan Buttons (Also Known as Buzz Buttons) and How Do They Work?

Ans: Sechuan Buttons, also known as Buzz Buttons or Electric Daisies. These unique blooms are renowned for their intense, tingling sensation on the tongue, which is caused by a compound called spilanthol. Spilanthol stimulates the nerve endings in your mouth, creating a numbing and buzzing sensation that can last for several minutes.

2. What Is the Flavor Profile of Sechuan Buttons?

Ans: Sechuan Buttons have a distinct and complex flavor profile. They combine a lemon, herbaceous taste with a hint of citrus and a tart kick. The primary experience is the buzzing sensation, which can be accompanied by a slight tanginess.

3. How Should Sechuan Buttons Be Used in Cooking and Drinks?

Ans: Sechuan Buttons are versatile and can be used in both cooking and drinks. Here are some ideas:

In Drinks: Use them as a garnish in cocktails or mocktails for a surprising and electrifying effect. They can also be infused into syrups or used to create unique bitters.

In Cooking: Incorporate them into salads, soups, or appetizers to add a zesty kick and visual appeal. They work well in dishes where their unique sensation can complement the overall flavor experience.

4. Are Sechuan Buttons Safe to Eat?

Ans: Yes, Sechuan Buttons are completely safe to eat. They’re not known for their flavor alone but for the sensory experience they provide:

Sensory Delight: The flowers contain spilanthol, a compound that causes mouth tingling and numbing. This makes them a fun addition to any dish or drink, though their primary appeal is in their sensory effects rather than taste.

Traditional Uses: Used in South American folk medicine to numb toothaches and sore throats, Sechuan Buttons have been embraced by North American chefs for their palate-awakening qualities.

5. Where Can I Buy Sechuan Buttons in the USA?

Ans: Looking to experience the unique buzz of Sechuan Buttons? You can conveniently order them online at WeQook, a trusted online farm stand for premium edible flowers and microgreens. Visit WeQook for fresh Sechuan Buttons delivered right to your door, perfect for elevating your dishes and cocktails with an electrifying twist!

6. How Do Sechuan Buttons Compare to Other Edible Flowers or Spices?

Ans: Sechuan Buttons stand out from other edible flowers due to their unique electrifying, numbing sensation. While most edible flowers are used for their color or mild flavor, Sechuan Buttons provide a multi-sensory experience that goes beyond taste, creating a tingling, buzzing effect. 

Compared to spices like chili or pepper, which offer heat and pungency, Sechuan Buttons offer more of a mouthfeel sensation. They pair well with both savory and sweet dishes, adding a new layer of excitement and surprise that few other ingredients can match.

7. How Should Sechuan Buttons Be Stored to Maintain Freshness?

Ans: To keep your Sechuan Buttons fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ideally, they should be placed on a slightly damp paper towel to help maintain moisture. But they can also be frozen for extended storage. Freezing may slightly alter the texture but preserves the tingling effect.

Conclusion: Experience the Buzz with Sechuan Buttons

Sechuan Buttons offer a one-of-a-kind sensory experience with their electrifying flavor and tingling sensation. Whether you're enhancing a cocktail or adding excitement to a dish, these unique flowers will surely leave a lasting impression. Order your Sechuan Buttons now from WeQook and add a bold, unexpected twist to your culinary creations!

If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out! Contact us at info@weqook.com or visit our website for assistance. We’re here to help you buzz up your dishes!