Urfa Biber Chiles are indigenous to the area around the city of Sanlıurfa in southeastern Turkey which is typically referred to as Urfa in his region. The word “Biberâ€ translates to "pepper" in Turkish. This dried Turkish chile is from the species Capsicum annuum and is also known asâ€Isot pepperâ€.

Technically a red chile pepper, Urfa Biber matures to a bright red when it is then harvested and cured or dried for a week. The two step drying process is similar to that of top grade vanilla beans as during the day they are laid out to be sun dried and at night they are wrapped tightly. This process is commonly known as “sweatingâ€ and it infuses the remaining moisture of the chile with chile’s flesh. The resulting color is a dark blackish-purple.

The flavor profile of the Urfa Chile is well rounded and complex with a smoky earthy edge and undertones of coffee, chocolate, tobacco and raisins. The flavor and heat is similar to the region’s other star chile the Aleppo Pepper which is grown only a mountain range away in Syria. Considered a medium heat chile this comes in at 6,000-8,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units) and their heat is surprising as they start off a bit mild but then almost seem to increase in heat and intensity as the meal progresses.

With their high oil and moisture content the Urfa Biber chiles keep better than most ground chiles. Because of their high moisture content they do tend to be a bit clumpy. 

Most commonly used in Turkish cuisine Urfa Biber chiles play a starring role in lamb kebobs. Their tangy flavor also works in a variety of savory dishes such as roasted vegetables, braised meats and hearty stews. While they can certainly stand on their own we like them best when used with other layered flavors. 

In this country with its raisiny undertones and delightfully nuanced heat it is becoming an increasingly popular “secret ingredientâ€ in fruit dishes and sweet deserts (especially brownies, gingerbread and ice cream). It pairs very well with baking spices like chocolate and vanilla and with other nightshades like roasted eggplants and red peppers. Urfa Biber Chile’s intense flavor compliments pungent cheeses such as feta and adds an ideal balance to sweet chutneys. We like to also pair it with the milder Aleppo Pepper for an even more complex flavor combination. 