A coarsely ground, sun-dried red chili flake with mild heat (roughly 5,000–10,000 SHU) and a distinctive fruity, raisin-and-tomato flavor, used throughout Levantine and Anatolian cooking.
History & Origins
Aleppo pepper takes its name from the Syrian city of Aleppo, where Halaby-type chilis have been cultivated and sun-dried on rooftops for several centuries, with documented trade through Ottoman Mediterranean ports by the 18th and 19th centuries. The pepper is harvested when red, dried naturally in the sun, then pressed through a coarse sieve so that some seed and skin fragments remain. After the disruption of Syrian agriculture during the post-2011 civil war, nearly all commercial 'Aleppo pepper' now comes from the closely related Şili cultivar grown in Turkey's Hatay province.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g, edible portion (estimated)
- 324 kcalCalories
- 13 gProtein
- 6 gFat
- 56 gCarbs
- 34 gFiber
- 7 gSugars
- 1870 mgPotassium
- 71 mgVitamin C
- 2081 mcgVitamin A
Culinary Uses
- Sprinkled over hummus, labneh, muhammara, and white cheeses
- Seasoning rub for Adana and Urfa kebabs and grilled lamb
- Finishing spice for lahmacun, pide, and Turkish-style eggs (menemen)
- Mixed into olive oil for warm salads and roasted vegetable dressings
Known Benefits
- Mild capsaicin content may support circulation and metabolism
- High in carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein) and vitamin C, antioxidants
- Contains flavonoids with reported anti-inflammatory activity
- Source of iron and manganese in ground form
Hidden Benefits
- Sun-drying concentrates natural sugars, deepening the sweet, raisin-like notes
- Coarse grind preserves seed oils that contribute aroma beyond measurable heat
- Fermentation of seed fragments during drying adds umami-like glutamates
- Pairs synergistically with sumac and olive oil as a Mediterranean flavor trio
Cautions & Considerations
- Heat is mild but inconsistent between batches; verify origin and cultivar
- Coarse stems occasionally present — sift before use in fine sauces
- Deep red pigments can stain fabrics, wood, and plastic utensils
- Aflatoxin screening recommended when buying in bulk from informal markets
