Kinome is a Japanese herb. It is whole leaves from the Japanese Prickly Ash (aka Szechuan Peppercorn) tree.
The leaves have a bit of a citrus-fruit aroma, and a milder pepper taste than the berries (see Szechuan Peppercorns) do, with a hint of a mint-like and lime taste to boot. They have more of a citrus taste than the peppercorns from the tree do.
They are gathered in the spring.
You can buy them fresh, pickled or vacuum-packaged.
If dried and ground, the powdered leaves are called “Sansho.”
Cooking Tips
They are used as a flavourful garnish.