Urfa Biber Turkish Red Pepper Flakes

Urfa Biber, or Isot Pepper, is a dried Turkish pepper that hails from the Urfa region of Turkey, ("biber" means "pepper" in Turkish). It is technically a red pepper that ripens to a dark maroon. Sweet, smoky and citric aromas give way to a complex heat, which is mild at first, then slightly builds throughout the meal. Texture and notes of dried fruit, leather, and tobacco add to the complexity of this pepper. Rich and earthy, they're perfect as the desired dark, rich, smokey chile, without the overpowering, overused punch of chipotle. Because of the presence of stems and seed, it is hotter than Marash or Aleppo and better when compared to other pre-ground peppers, because of their high moisture and oil content, which amplifies their dark, roasted flavor, often described as "raisins meets coffee." Urfa Chiles are full of smokey, sultry flavors that pair well with hearty vegetables, pungent cheeses, and braised meats. For the more adventurous, use Urfa in desserts, by pairing with chocolate, vanilla beans, or gingerbread spices. Its large flakes yield a satisfying, chewy texture and its high oil content makes it far better for serving raw (without toasting or cooking in water/fat) than most chiles.