Aleppo pepper
Encyclopedia
The Aleppo pepper is a variety of Capsicum annuum
used as a spice
, particularly in Middle Eastern
and Mediterranean cuisine. Also known as the Halaby pepper, it starts as pods which ripen to a burgundy color
and is then semi-dried, de-seeded, then crushed or coarsely ground. The pepper is named after Aleppo
, a long-inhabited city along the Silk Road
in northern Syria
, and is grown in Syria and Turkey
.
Although a common condiment
, its use in the United States outside of Syrian and Turkish immigrant communities was rare until the 20th century, with one source (Los Angeles
magazine) dating its rise in use among the broader U.S. population to the 1994 publication of The Cooking of the Eastern Mediterranean (ISBN 978-0-06-016651-9) by Paula Wolfert.
of about 10,000 on the Scoville scale
, with some fruitiness and mild, cumin
-like undertones. Its flavor is similar to the ancho chile, but oilier and slightly salty; salt
is often used in the drying process. It is fairly mild, with its heat building slowly, with a fruity raisin
-like flavor. It has also been described as having the flavor of "sweetness, roundness and perfume of the best kind of sundried tomatoes
, but with a substantial kick behind it."
, with a hint of saltiness and a slightly raisin-like flavor. Unlike crushed red pepper, the flakes contain no seeds, contributing to the mildness. Crushed Aleppo pepper can be used as a substitute for crushed red pepper or paprika
.
The spice is a common ingredient in some of the dishes that comprise a meze
.
Capsicum annuum
Capsicum annuum is a domesticated species of the plant genus Capsicum native to southern North America and northern South America. The three species C. annuum, C. frutescens and C. chinense all evolved from a single common ancestor located somewhere in the northwest Brazil - Colombia area...
used as a spice
Spice
A spice is a dried seed, fruit, root, bark, or vegetative substance used in nutritionally insignificant quantities as a food additive for flavor, color, or as a preservative that kills harmful bacteria or prevents their growth. It may be used to flavour a dish or to hide other flavours...
, particularly in Middle Eastern
Middle Eastern cuisine
Middle-Eastern cuisine, West Asian cuisine, or in some place in the United States, Persian-Mediterranean cuisine is the cuisine of the various countries and peoples of the Middle East . The cuisine of the region is diverse while having a degree of homogeneity...
and Mediterranean cuisine. Also known as the Halaby pepper, it starts as pods which ripen to a burgundy color
Burgundy (color)
Burgundy is a shade of purplish red associated with the Burgundy wine of the same name, which in turn is named after the Burgundy region of France. The color burgundy is similar to other shades of dark red such as maroon...
and is then semi-dried, de-seeded, then crushed or coarsely ground. The pepper is named after Aleppo
Aleppo
Aleppo is the largest city in Syria and the capital of Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Syrian governorate. With an official population of 2,301,570 , expanding to over 2.5 million in the metropolitan area, it is also one of the largest cities in the Levant...
, a long-inhabited city along the Silk Road
Silk Road
The Silk Road or Silk Route refers to a historical network of interlinking trade routes across the Afro-Eurasian landmass that connected East, South, and Western Asia with the Mediterranean and European world, as well as parts of North and East Africa...
in northern Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
, and is grown in Syria and Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
.
Although a common condiment
Condiment
A condiment is an edible substance, such as sauce or seasoning, added to food to impart a particular flavor, enhance its flavor, or in some cultures, to complement the dish. Many condiments are available packaged in single-serving sachets , like mustard or ketchup, particularly when supplied with...
, its use in the United States outside of Syrian and Turkish immigrant communities was rare until the 20th century, with one source (Los Angeles
Los Angeles (magazine)
Los Angeles magazine is a monthly regional magazine of national stature. Published by Emmis Communications and produced monthly since the spring of 1961, LA Magazine is a combination of award-winning feature writing, investigative reporting, service journalism, and design, the definitive resource...
magazine) dating its rise in use among the broader U.S. population to the 1994 publication of The Cooking of the Eastern Mediterranean (ISBN 978-0-06-016651-9) by Paula Wolfert.
Characteristics
The Aleppo pepper has a moderate heat levelPiquance
Piquance is a sensation associated with the sense of taste. In various Asian countries it has traditionally been considered a basic taste.-Etymology:...
of about 10,000 on the Scoville scale
Scoville scale
The Scoville scale is a measurement of the spicy heat of a chili pepper. The number of Scoville heat units indicates the amount of capsaicin present. Capsaicin is a chemical compound that stimulates chemoreceptor nerve endings in the skin, especially the mucous membranes.The scale is named after...
, with some fruitiness and mild, cumin
Cumin
Cumin is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native from the east Mediterranean to India. Its seeds are used in the cuisines of many different cultures, in both whole and ground form.-Etymology:...
-like undertones. Its flavor is similar to the ancho chile, but oilier and slightly salty; salt
Salt
In chemistry, salts are ionic compounds that result from the neutralization reaction of an acid and a base. They are composed of cations and anions so that the product is electrically neutral...
is often used in the drying process. It is fairly mild, with its heat building slowly, with a fruity raisin
Raisin
Raisins are dried grapes. They are produced in many regions of the world. Raisins may be eaten raw or used in cooking, baking and brewing...
-like flavor. It has also been described as having the flavor of "sweetness, roundness and perfume of the best kind of sundried tomatoes
Sun-dried tomato
Sun-dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes which are placed in the sun to remove most of the water content from the tomatoes. Cherry types of tomatoes will lose 88% of their initial weight, whilst larger tomatoes can lose up to 93% during the process...
, but with a substantial kick behind it."
Uses
The most common use is in the form of crushed flakes, which are typically slightly milder and more oily than conventional crushed red pepperCrushed red pepper
Crushed red pepper is made from hot dried red peppers and is not made of one type of chili, but from various combinations of ancho, bell, cayenne and other dried red peppers.. Crushed red pepper shakers have become as standard as salt and pepper on tables at Italian restaurants and especially...
, with a hint of saltiness and a slightly raisin-like flavor. Unlike crushed red pepper, the flakes contain no seeds, contributing to the mildness. Crushed Aleppo pepper can be used as a substitute for crushed red pepper or paprika
Paprika
Paprika is a spice made from the grinding of dried fruits of Capsicum annuum . In many European languages, the word paprika refers to bell peppers themselves. The seasoning is used in many cuisines to add color and flavor to dishes. Paprika can range from mild to hot...
.
The spice is a common ingredient in some of the dishes that comprise a meze
Meze
Meze or mezze is a selection of small dishes served in the Mediterranean and Middle East as dinner or lunch, with or without drinks. In Levantine cuisines and in the Caucasus region, meze is served at the beginning of all large-scale meals....
.