Urfa Biber chili flakes for smoky warmth and wellness
Science and Composition
Chemical Composition
The drying-and-sweating process preserves capsanthin and capsorubin carotenoids that give Urfa Biber chili flakes their deep maroon hue. A teaspoon delivers about seven calories, one gram carbohydrate, and nearly one gram dietary fibre while staying fat-free.
The same serving supplies vitamin A precursors plus small but measurable potassium and iron. Capsaicin content ranges from 0.15 to 1.2 mg per g, placing the flakes around 7 500 to 30 000 Scoville heat units: moderate and approachable
A tablespoon of smoked Spanish paprika contributes vitamin A levels that exceed twenty percent daily value along with meaningful potassium and iron webmd.com .
Origin & Nutritional Composition
Grown around Şanlıurfa in southeastern Turkey, the peppers ripen from green to dark crimson then dry in open sun. Each evening farmers wrap the peppers in cloth or plastic to sweat, trapping steam and concentrating natural oils that create the flakes’ signature chewy texture and ume-plum acidity .
One tablespoon contributes roughly two grams fibre and 50 mg potassium with under 20 calories, making it a nutrient-dense flavour booster
Reported Health Benefits
Capsaicin supports circulatory stimulation and may aid metabolic balance and mild pain modulation. Phenolic antioxidants such as quercetin and ferulic acid help neutralise free radicals, while carotenoids protect eye tissue researchgate.net.
Trace iron contributes to normal oxygen transport and potassium assists fluid equilibrium. Regular culinary use of Urfa Biber chili flakes can therefore provide a modest yet meaningful wellness lift.
Heritage and Function
Cultural Significance & Historical Significance
Centuries-old Kurdish and Turkish recipes rely on Urfa Biber chili flakes for kebab marinades and lamb stews, and local artisans hold an annual isot festival celebrating harvest season.
The rise of global interest in Middle Eastern cuisine pushed Urfa Biber forward when Aleppo pepper supplies became scarce, turning it into a darling of modern chefs and chocolatiers
Flavor Profile
Urfa Biber chili flakes taste of molasses , sun-dried grape, medium heat, and slight smoke. Hints of cocoa, espresso, and tobacco appear as the pepper warms on the palate
Functional Use
Bloom one teaspoon of Urfa Biber chili flakes in olive oil for stews and shakshuka.
Sprinkle over roasted cauliflower, pumpkin, or grilled halloumi for sweet-smoke accent.
Stir into dark chocolate ganache or brownie batter for wine-tannin complexity.
Rim Bloody Mary glasses or mezcal cocktails to replace conventional chili salt.
Fun Tidbits
Flakes feel slightly oily because residual pepper oils remain locked in during sweating.
Some artisanal producers mix in a pinch of salt to prevent clumping and extend shelf life.
Local legend claims shepherds first wrapped the peppers in goatskins to keep wolves away, discovering the sweating method by chance.
La Botanique Sacrée's Approach
Our modern apothecary embraces Urfa Biber chili flakes for three reasons: nuanced raisin-smoke flavour, approachable heat, and rich antioxidant colour. We import flakes that are sun-dried and sweated in Şanlıurfa with no dyes or preservatives.
Products featuring Urfa Biber chili flakes
Camp Chili – Scotch Bonnet fire rounded by Urfa Biber sweetness
Smoky Salt – Danish sea salt flakes infused with Urfa Biber depth
ALEPPO+ - Golden chili blend; fruity Turkish Aleppo with Lakadong turmeric, ginger, and black pepper.
LA TOMATE - Mediterranean tomato spice; wild oregano and fennel with Aleppo and smoked paprika for tart, smoky umami.
L’AVOCAT - Avocado topper; sumac, yuzu, sea buckthorn, and a gentle fruit–smoke edge from Aleppo.
MY ZESTIE - Fruit-finishing salt for melon and ceviche; citrus–hibiscus brightness with soft Aleppo heat.
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YELLOMAYO - Turmeric mayo seasoning; baobab, lemon peel, and smoked Aleppo chili.
PEP’RONI - Pizza topper; oregano and sun-dried tomato with Aleppo, Urfa, and Ring of Fire for fruit, smoke, and fire.
CAMP CHILI - High-heat, smoky chili; Scotch bonnet and Isot (Urfa Biber) with citrus and hibiscus complexity.
NOOCHAS — Smoked Chili - Snackable nooch blend; Danish smoked salt and smoked paprika with Urfa’s dark, raisiny warmth.
