Chili Flakes, Urfa

With a striking purplish-black hue that alludes to its aromatic notes of chocolate, coffee, and raisin, our Urfa Chili Flakes add a depth of flavor as rich as its color.

Cultivated in southern Turkey, in the region of Urfa, the chili peppers ripen red, but are not picked until they darken purple. Once harvested, they are sun-dried, and then wrapped overnight to sweat in the heat – which moistens the pepper, and intensifies the color and flavor. The process can take a week, but each day is essential to concentrating the fruity, smoky, earthy essence of the chilies.

Our Urfa Chili Flakes have a mild spiciness that reveals itself slowly after the full-bodied flavor of the chili hits your tongue. Like the color, this flavor is distinct. But surprisingly, it’s also one of our most versatile spices. They are wonderful on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes – especially on eggplant dishes which are common in the Urfa region. The chili flakes are also a must-try in marinades, pastas, stir-fries, soups, and salads. They even lend well to sweets, like chocolate desserts and ice creams.  For more recipe ideas, click on the "Recipes" tab above.