Description
Urfa Pepper, also known as Isot Pepper, is a traditional Turkish chili from the Şanlıurfa region of southeastern Turkey. Unlike sharp or aggressive chili flakes, Urfa Pepper delivers a slow, gentle warmth with a deep, smoky character and a subtle, raisin-like sweetness.
Carefully sun-dried and rested using traditional methods, these dark, lightly oily flakes develop a rich aroma and complex flavor that makes Urfa Pepper a favorite finishing spice in Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine.
What Makes Urfa Pepper Different?
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Mild heat that builds gradually, never overpowering
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Smoky, earthy flavor with hints of dried fruit and cocoa
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Dark burgundy color from slow sun-drying and resting
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Lightly oily texture that clings beautifully to food
Urfa Pepper isn’t about heat for heat’s sake — it’s about depth, balance, and warmth.
Flavor Profile at a Glance
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Heat: Mild to Medium (gentle, lingering warmth)
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Flavor: Smoky, earthy, subtly sweet
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Aroma: Warm, roasted, slightly fruity
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Finish: Smooth, round, and lingering
Perfect for dishes where you want complexity without sharp spice.
How to Use Urfa Pepper
Urfa Pepper shines as a finishing spice and in simple preparations where its aroma can bloom.
Try it on:
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Eggs, omelets, and scrambled eggs
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Yogurt, labneh, hummus, and dips
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Grilled or roasted meats
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Roasted vegetables and potatoes
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Rice, bulgur, and grain bowls
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Flatbreads and pizza
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Olive oil or butter for drizzling
💡 Pro tip: Sprinkle Urfa Pepper toward the end of cooking or just before serving to preserve its aroma and smoky notes.
Authentic Origin & Traditional Processing
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Product of Turkey
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Traditionally sun-dried and rested
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No additives, fillers, or preservatives
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Processed to achieve its signature dark color and depth
This traditional method is what gives Urfa Pepper its unique flavor — something you won’t get from standard chili flakes.
Ingredients
Urfa chili pepper (isot)
Dietary & Quality Attributes
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Vegan
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Gluten-Free
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Lactose-Free
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No Artificial Colors or Preservatives
Packaging & Storage
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Packed in a resealable pouch to maintain freshness
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Store in a cool, dark, dry place
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Avoid direct sunlight and heat
Urfa Pepper vs Aleppo Pepper
| Feature | Urfa Pepper | Aleppo Pepper |
|---|---|---|
| Heat | Mild–Medium | Mild |
| Flavor | Smoky, earthy, subtly sweet | Bright, fruity, tangy |
| Color | Dark burgundy | Vibrant red |
| Best Use | Depth & warmth | Freshness & balance |
Many cooks keep both: Aleppo for brightness, Urfa for depth.
Why Choose Edi Gourmet Spice Urfa Pepper?
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Carefully sourced from Turkey
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Clean, transparent ingredient sourcing
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Balanced flavor designed for everyday cooking
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Consistent flake size and quality
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Selected for aroma, not just appearance
This is Urfa Pepper meant to be used, not just admired.
How hot is it, exactly? How spicy is Urfa pepper? explains its slow, building heat, and What is Urfa pepper? is our full introduction to it.
Erin –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] I was really impressed with this pepper seasoning. It has a delicious, but unique flavour I have never found in other spices. I would say if you are buying it, you would use it more similar to what you would use red chilli flakes for, than what you would use black pepper for.I found it had a slightly spicy, flavour. It wasn’t overly spicy, I would probably rate it a 2.5/5. It had a nice kick, but wasn’t so spicy you felt like you were dying afterwards. The flavour is spicy, but with a fruity, and slightly smokey side. It was very tasty, and unique, and added a unique taste to my dishes that I really enjoyed. I added mine to a pasta sauce, and to a soy/sriracha sauce I poured over my rice.The spice is very oily, and the spice arrives feeling kind of damp. The package recommends storing it in a cool, dry, dark place, but I am keeping mine in the fridge, as the oil content has me worried that it will go rancid if I don’t store it in the fridge. It has a very dark reddish purple/black shade.
Ella –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] Genuine Urfa pepper that will get anyone hooked! It’s moist and fresh, and the taste!!! Sweet, tangy, salty, a hont of smoke and another of cocoa, depth in the flavors and mild, but present heat!This was a hit for everyone in our home, including my toddler who had some straight from the bag. He made a face when feeling the heat, but decided it was good by the time he finished 😀It goes on everything you can think of, any kind of sandwich, in stews, soups, on pizza, in pasta, it’s the most versatile spice after salt and pepper.I’m very happy with the quality, freshness and quantity and will be buying again!
Amazon Customer –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] This is my first time trying Urfa biber (Isot pepper) as far as I know and I’m a new fan! It’s a mild pepper on the Scoville heat rating. I find it has a deeper, more complex flavour compared to cayenne or jalapenos. So far, I’ve sprinkled it on my eggs and into my ramen and pasta sauce for a different spicy kick and it adds something that regular tabasco sauce or sambl oelek doesn’t. I consider it worth adding to your spice cabinet if you like different chili spices! I think it will be nice to add to steaks, pork and ribs since it has a smoky flavour but isn’t overwhelmingly hot and spicy. It has a heat that is very mild and lingers but not at all painfully so.
W –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] I sprinkled this Urfa pepper on roasted vegetables and scrambled eggs and it completely changed the flavor profile. It has a gentle smoky sweetness that lingers without overpowering anything, and there’s this subtle raisin-like richness that makes even simple dishes taste more layered.The heat builds slowly rather than hitting you all at once, so it’s easy to use generously without worrying about burning your tongue. I tried it on grilled chicken and it gave a warm, almost chocolatey undertone that I did not expect from a chili flake.One thing I really like is that it naturally oils the food a little, which makes the flavor bloom even more. It’s easy to keep in the pantry and works for everything from salads to yogurt bowls, which makes it one of those spices you end up reaching for all the time.
Science Guy –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] This is a spice for those that like a little heat, but don’t want it to overtake the dish it is served with.The Edi Gourmet Spice Urfa Pepper is a reasonably priced quality product that delivers what is expected. A subtle, complex spice that adds mild smoky heat to almost any dish. It tastes great with egg or potato salads, as a garnish on scrambled eggs or in soups (especially tomato-based ones). At least that what I have tried so far. I think it’s a nice way to “spice-up” your tradition favourites with something a bit more exotic than everyday salt and pepper.
PLB –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] It smells exactly like raisins and has a salty, earthy taste with very, very mild spice. I hadn’t tried it before so we’re still experimenting, but so far we’ve added it to tofu marinades and sprinkled it on top of dishes like black pepper. The flavour isn’t crazy powerful so you can’t go wrong with mixing a half teaspoon in to your dish or marinade to see if it works with whatever you’re making. If you’re veggie or vegan it helps give an earthy, ‘meaty’ taste to plant based proteins similar to souvlaki.I’ll definitely buy spices from Edi Gourmet Spice again as the sachet is HUGE and filled to the very top, and it’s resealable so you don’t have to worry about keeping it fresh.
John –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] I got this Urfa pepper to experiment with some deeper, smokier flavors in my cooking. It is not just about heat; this spice brings a complex, raisin-like sweetness and a texture that is entirely different from standard crushed red pepper.The flakes are oily and moist, which helps them adhere to food beautifully. It provides a mild to moderate heat that builds slowly rather than hitting you all at once. It works wonders on grilled meats and adds a nice twist to simple roasted vegetables.A fantastic pantry staple for anyone looking to elevate their spice rack beyond the basics.
Lastbrigade –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] You get a good amount of the pepper. I was surprised that it was so…wet? But I looked it up and it is meant to be oily (so it needs to be kept in the fridge once it’s been opened). It resembles coffee grounds but it tastes warm and pleasantly spicy, and reminded me of raisins or dates. It was a really interesting flavor that would amplify many dishes. I imagine it’s fantastic in yogurt!I’ve never tasted anything like this before, and I look forward to trying a bunch of different dishes.
avid reader –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] This is a great and unique way to season eggs, meat, pasta, anything you want to give smoky heat to without access to a BBQ. It’s a slightly oily spice with tiny shards of pepper that melt in your mouth. The initial heat feels minimal at first (we’re not a household that eats ultra spicy food but don’t mind a kick of heat on the low end of the scale) but seconds pass and the heat increases somewhat; it’s similar to the effect cayenne pepper has (burst of heat that fades out soon after) but in reverse. We love the flavour and will continue experimenting to see how else we can make use of this delicious pepper. It comes in a resealable pouch and you’ll want to keep it in there rather than putting it in a spice jar so it doesn’t dry out.
a piece of peace –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] I loved how this Urfa pepper turned out, and I didn’t expect it to be this delicious. I’ve tried a lot of spices, but this one really delighted me. I noticed right away that it has this sweet, fruity depth that reminds me of raisins and even a bit of banana blossom. I kept tasting it again just to make sure I wasn’t imagining it lol. I used it on my favorite canned tuna with lemon, and I also generously sprinkled it over my comfort meal of lamb with Arabic rice. Both dishes tasted so good that I had to remind myself not to overdo it. I can see how easy it would be to indulge if I’m not careful.This is my first time using Urfa pepper and I’m already thinking about buying more. I like that it works as both a flavor enhancer and a garnish. I just sprinkle it on top and it instantly makes the food taste richer and more interesting. Unlike regular dried chili flakes, this has a salty-sweet balance that really stands out. The oily texture is something I didn’t expect, but I actually like it a lot because it helps the flavor bloom on the food.I don’t like the packaging because it’s a bit messy after opening, but it’s not a big deal. I moved everything into a plastic container right away. I’m not planning to refrigerate it because I know it won’t last long in my kitchen anyway haha.I’m giving this five stars without hesitation. I’m already thinking of all the meals I want to enhance with it next. Highly recommended.
Ilene –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] Dark colour with an oily texture, this Urfa pepper is unique to me but seems to be a classic urfa pepper in appearance. These peppers are not dry flakes but small, oily pieces that somehow still pour out like a dry spice. The pepper is well packaged to preserve the strong, complex scent and flavour that has more in common wine than a pepper.The unique flavour has made it harder to use in place of a hot or jalapeño pepper, due to the specific preparation of this pepper. Very nice pepper that has potential for food beyond what would normally consider spicy.
Sean –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] This Urfa pepper is amazing, and potent. A little goes a long way, which I discovered very quickly. The flavour is rich and complex, and the aroma alone lets you know this isn’t your average chili flake situation. It has that deep, smoky character Urfa Biber is known for, and it smells so good you almost want to just stand there appreciating it before it even hits the food.The quality is obvious, the flavour is fantastic, and it’s officially earned a place on my spice rack. Definitely one of those spices that makes you feel slightly more impressive in the kitchen just by owning it.
Amazon Customer –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] Most delicious spice! Wish I could upload the scent and taste of this! The scent reminds me of prunes, sweet and earthy, the taste is earthy and has a little kick. Used it in quite a few of my dishes already and it adds a flavour depth to any of those dishes. It is gluten and lactose free and vegan, a plus in my kitchen. I like that it comes in a resealable pouch to maintain freshness, as the spice is actually very moist. I am storing it in my spice cabinet, not a fridge. The pouch holds 113g which will last me for a while. If you are looking for a new flavour, give this a try! Recommend!
Loboto-Me –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] I love exotic flavours, I love spice and I love the flavour of this Urfa Pepper when I tasted it on its own. It has a lovely smokiness to it with the slightest spiciness. I wouldn’t call it spicy, it’s more of a warmth that doesn’t actually bite you. It’s unique and something I’d want to sprinkle on everything.The finely ground coffee consistency spice is slightly oily and damp. That is one of its attributes so if you want to transfer it into another container it should be very air-tight and probably refrigerated as well due to the oil content.I finally had a chance to use it in a dish (a shrimp rice bowl) and sadly the flavour didn’t come through at all. The shrimp had been sauteed with a teaspoon of the Urfa spice then placed on top of the rice bowl that had ingredients such as roasted veggies, lettuce and avocado. I refuse to give up! I intend to try a different dish, perhaps something more eastern and with a larger amount. I love the flavour by itself so I’m determined to find where it will shine within a dish.
Alicia –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] The gourmet pepper comes in a four once resealable bag so upon opening, it is ready to use. Made of Urfa peppers, the spice is a more complex blend and flavour than what you would find in your typical spice rack. With a smoky and sweet taste, the Urfa pepper has a more unique bitterness to it while retaining mild spiciness. Most definitely best for savoury cooking, this is a premium spice and should be used sparingly both due to its potency but also the amount that comes in the bag is low. Primarily used in Turkish cuisine, the pepper is halal and vegan friendly so can accommodate most dietary preferences and needs. The pepper comes in flakes so if needed, can be refined down to a powder but needs to be done manually. Overall, the Urfa pepper flakes taste great and has a lot of layers to its flavouring but use sparingly as the bag can be used up fairly quickly if not controlled.
Amazon Customer –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] This is my first time sampling Urfa Pepper spice. First impression was I was surprised how moist the spice is. Somewhat like a damp soil.The flavor is light pepper with earthy undertones. There is a slight saltiness and I did not get a lot of heat. Believe it will pair well with beef, pork and lamb.
FellowCustomer –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] I decided to try this Urfa pepper to switch things up from regular chili flakes. It definitely adds a unique smoky, slightly sweet depth to dishes. I tried it on an omelette and it enhanced the flavor without making it too spicy.That said, the taste is different from what I’m used to — it’s more subtle and complex rather than sharp heat. I’m still figuring out how I feel about it, but I can see how it would work really well in Mediterranean dishes, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.If you enjoy smoky, earthy spices with mild heat, this is worth trying.
J –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] This was my first time trying Urfa pepper, and I genuinely didn’t expect to like it this much. The aroma alone caught me off guard — it has this deep, sweet, almost raisin-like scent with a subtle smokiness that makes you want to taste it right away.Flavor-wise, it’s beautifully layered. There’s an earthy richness with a mild warmth rather than sharp heat. It’s not aggressively spicy; instead, it slowly builds and then fades, leaving behind a slightly sweet, savory depth. I noticed hints that reminded me of dried fruit — almost prune or date-like — which makes it very different from standard chili flakes.The texture is slightly oily and moist, which actually helps it cling to food and bloom nicely when sprinkled on top. I’ve used it on lamb with rice, mixed into tuna with lemon, and even added it to sauces. Each time, it enhanced the dish without overpowering it. It works both as a finishing spice and something you can cook into a recipe.One thing to note is the packaging. While it’s resealable, I found it a bit messy once opened, so I transferred mine into an airtight container for easier handling. Because of its natural oil content, storing it in a cool, dry place (or even the fridge if you prefer) helps maintain freshness.Overall, this is a unique and delicious spice that adds smoky, sweet complexity with very mild heat. If you enjoy exploring new flavors beyond typical chili flakes, this is absolutely worth trying. I’m already thinking of more dishes to experiment with — it’s one of those ingredients that makes you want to cook just to use it again.
Crae –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] This is a great spice to have on hand. I really like how versatile it is. I love how it tastes, and it can be used for many different dishes. A decent amount comes in the package, and I find that a little goes a long way. I’m happy with the quality as well, and I have no complaints about it.Overall, this is a great spice to add to your kitchen. It tastes good, and adds a depth to your recipes. I recommend this for anyone who wants to try out new flavors and spices, or for anyone who’s ready for me with this spice.
Reviewer –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] I’m not familiar with Urfa pepper either, so I went into this without any expectations — and I ended up really loving it. I can’t handle very spicy food, so I started with just a small sprinkle on my first try. What surprised me right away is how much flavor it has beyond the heat. Urfa pepper is known for being smoky, slightly sweet, and even a bit raisin‑like, and you can really taste that depth. It’s warm rather than sharp, and the heat builds slowly instead of hitting you all at once.On my second try, I felt confident enough to use a bit more, and it made the dish so much more interesting without overwhelming me. It’s the kind of spice that makes you want to experiment. I’m already planning to try it on roasted vegetables, eggs, grilled meats, and even sprinkled on hummus.For someone who isn’t used to this type of chili, it was a pleasant surprise and a fun way to explore new flavors. I’ll definitely be using it in a bunch of different recipes.
Ccstacey –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] This is really tasty. I’ve never had Urfa pepper before and was quite surprised at the color lol but once I got over that I tried it in a few different dishes and really enjoy the smoky sweet flavor. Its not too hot more of a mild heat. Excellent in a sweet chili or lamb stew.
That One Girl –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] This urfa pepper is really neat! I cooked it on some lamb, and was very impressed with it!The flavour was smoky and kind of fruity, with some hints of dark chocolate, raisin, or coffee, depending on who you ask (I shared it with friends).The heat of this is nice, and creeps up on you instead of hitting you instantly, which allows you to really get the flavour before the heat! I adore that in my spices so that’s great!Overall, a nice spice, worth the try if you like some spice!
Doris Fleck –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] My husband and I like our food spicy and we’re always willing to experiment. Had we ever heard of Urfa Pepper before? Not a chance. But we decided to try it. Urfa pepper is a traditional Turkish chili flake that is sun-dried and gently “sweated.” This gives it a dark color and a more complex flavor profile than any chili flake we’ve ever eaten. Urfa pepper has a slightly sweet taste, a bit like dried figs and does have some heat to it but not like red chili flakes. The heat is fairly mild but definitely builds warmth inside you as you eat it. One of the most off-putting aspects of urfa is its naturally oily texture. It sticks to your hands and the sides of the spice bag it comes in.I like that this Edi Gourmet spice is 100 % urfa pepper – no additives or fillers. So far we have added it to sauces, vegetable dishes and combined it with other spices. I didn’t like the taste at first but my husband loves it and it has definitely grown on me. We started out adding just a little and now add a lot more so you get a bit more of the “spice kick.”I recommend it if you like international spices and enjoy experimenting with different foods. It doesn’t overpower your dish but really adds to it. It’s not very expensive and will last a long time.
The Reviewer –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] I really like Urfa Pepper as a spice for red and white meats. The Edi Gourment offering comes in a large bag with enough of the pepper to last several months. The pepper comes in a resealable bag that keeps the pepper tasting fresh for many months. I’ve used the Urfa pepper on roasted and grilled chicken, steaks, pork chops, as well as soups and stews. The pepper is best described as a deep and rich flavoured mild spice, great for when you want to add some kick to your cooking and don’t want too much heat. The peeper flakes go on to meats easily, and you can also add some teaspoons to soups and stews where the pepper blends in nicely with other flavours. Overall, a great addition to your home cooking and grilling spice collection that has a very mild flavour with a little heat that is not overwhelming.
Hadinma –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] This gourmet Urfa pepper spice is a Turkish spice so for me it was nice to experience an international taste/spice commonly used in Turkish dishes. The taste isn’t very peppery although I have to admit that I have a high tolerance for peppers so this one is more tasty or savory than spicy. The taste has freshness to it and I enjoy how it transforms the taste of any dish that it’s added to into a unique tasting experience. The pepper can be sprinkled directly on meals or used while cooking. The pack is resealable so it keeps the pepper fresh.
Jay-Did Reviews –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] As many have also stated, I was not familiar with this type of pepper. This was my first experience with Urfa Pepper. I think this pepper is quite good. It has a savory earth taste. Not overly hot, and adds a unique subtle flavor that I find quite pleasant. I used very little the first couple of times I cooked with this , but now I use a little more. I don’t find it overly hot and spicy, and it’s not overly strong in flavor either. I find it really nice in beef dishes, I’ve used it with a roast and in a stew and enjoyed both dishes using this pepper. It’s decent on chicken and in breading too. So far I havent really found any meat dish that this spice doesn’t work well with. It has a oily fresh texture and a good re-sealable pouch. I like this pepper and I would definitely purchase more in the future.
Biff –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] This Urfa pepper spice from Edi GOurmet has a noticeably rich, almost raisin-like depth that comes through right away. The flakes are slightly oily to the touch, which seems to help carry the flavor well when sprinkled over food or insouces and dips. The heat is mild to moderate, but it builds slowly and lingers in a way that feels balanced rather than sharp. It works especially well on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and even eggs, adding complexity without overpowering the dish. It’s a flavorful subtle heat.In terms of quality, the texture and aroma feel authentic and consistent with what you’d expect from a traditional Urfa biber. It’s not overly dry or dusty, and a little goes a long way. One thing to keep in mind is that if you’re used to brighter, spicier chili flakes, this leans more toward smoky and subtly sweet, so it might take a bit of adjustment depending on your taste. Overall, it’s a dependable ingredient for adding depth rather than heat, and it fits easily into everyday cooking. I would recommend it and I feel it’s worth trying.
Alejandra Cubillos –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] This spice has a really nice smoky flavor that adds something different to meals. The heat is mild to moderate and builds slowly, so it’s not overpowering but still noticeable.I like using it on different dishes because it gives a deeper, richer taste compared to regular chili flakes. It’s also easy to sprinkle and mixes well with food.Overall, a great seasoning if you like a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.
Dana dF –
[Amazon Vine review, product received free] Amazing Sweet/warm and earthy flavors from these dried and pickled peppers from Turkey. Outstanding uniqueness. Great for salad dressings and curry inspired potato dishes. Well done!
Deb –
Delicious!
Amazon Customer –
Great. Fresh. Well packaged
My3Boys –
Ive been following many Mediterranean recipes that call for this. Its the seasoning I never knew I needed! Its not spicey, but adds beautiful flavour. Its almost a cross from raisin, chocolate and coffee. I add it to rubs, salad dressings and sprinkle it on almost everything. Will buy again once I run out