Aleppo pepper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aleppo pepper |
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Aleppo pepper, in its typical processed form
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| Species | Capsicum annuum |
| Origin | Aleppo, Syria |
| Heat |  Hot |
| Scoville scale | 10,000 SHU |
The Aleppo pepper is a special type of chili pepper. It is used as a spice in many dishes. You can find it a lot in Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisine.
This pepper is also called the Halaby pepper. When it's ready, its pods turn a deep burgundy color. Then, they are partly dried, have their seeds removed, and are crushed into flakes. In Turkey, these flakes are called pul biber. In Armenia, they are known as Halebi bibar. Pul biber is a very popular spice in Turkey. It's the third most used spice, right after salt and black pepper. The pepper gets its name from Aleppo. This is a very old city in northern Syria, located along the famous Silk Road. Aleppo peppers are grown in Syria and Turkey.
For a long time, Aleppo pepper was mostly used by people from Armenian, Syrian, and Turkish families. It wasn't very common in Europe or the United States. But in the 20th century, more people started to discover it. This happened partly after a cookbook called The Cooking of the Eastern Mediterranean came out in 1994.
What Makes Aleppo Pepper Special?
The Aleppo pepper has a medium level of heat. On the Scoville scale, it measures about 10,000 units. This means it's warm but not super spicy. It also has a nice fruity taste. Some people notice a mild, cumin-like flavor too.
Its taste is a bit like the ancho chile. But Aleppo pepper is often a little oilier and slightly salty. Salt is often added during the drying process. The heat from this pepper builds up slowly. It also has a fruity taste, like raisins. Some people say it tastes like "sweetness and perfume" from the best sundried tomatoes. But it still gives a good kick! Many famous chefs love Aleppo pepper. They like its "fruity and bright qualities."
How Is Aleppo Pepper Used?
Most often, Aleppo pepper is used as crushed flakes. These flakes are usually a bit milder than regular crushed red pepper. They are also a little oilier and have a hint of saltiness. You might also notice a slight raisin-like flavor.
Unlike regular crushed red pepper, Aleppo pepper flakes don't have inner flesh or seeds. This helps make them milder. You can use crushed Aleppo pepper instead of crushed red pepper. It also works well as a substitute for paprika. This spice is a common ingredient in many dishes. It's often found in a collection of small dishes called a meze.
See also
In Spanish: Pimienta aleppo para niños
