Ahhh...they always seemed bean like to me so I avoided them. Thanks guys!

I agree with monkeymom. Szechuan peppercorns are the husks that surround the seeds of the chinese prickly ash tree. Not really a peppercorn but they enhance the tingling sensation from hot spices and such. Hence their popularity in spicy Chinese foods.

They could be crushed szechuan peppercorns.