Facing heaven pepper

The facing heaven pepper (cháotiānjiāo, 朝天椒) is a chili pepper used extensively in Sichuan cuisine, with a deep red color and an attractive cone-shaped fruit. The pepper is very hot when used raw. It is usually fried in oil (see tempering), which infuses the oil with a deep red color and floral heat, and develops fruit, smoky flavors in the peppers, which are characteristic of Sichuan cooking, especially when combined with [sichuan-Sichuan peppercorns.