Urfa Biber

Urfa biber (also known as Isot pepper) is a dried Turkish pepper of the type "Capsicum annum" cultivated in the Urfa region of Turkey. It is often described as having a smokey, 'raisin-like' taste [ [http://www.globalpalate.citymax.com/urfapage.html Urfa Biber: Dried Purple Turkish Pepper Flakes] ] . Urfa biber is technically a red pepper, ripening to a dark maroon on the plant. The peppers go through a two-part process, where they are sun-dried during the day and wrapped tightly at night. The night process is called 'sweating', and works to infuse the dried flesh with the remaining moisture of the pepper. [ [http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/spices/chilurfa.html Urfa Crushed Red Pepper] ] The result is an appearance ranging from deep purple to a dark, purplish black. Urfa biber is less spicy than many other chile peppers, but provides a more lasting build of heat.

Traditionally used in Turkey in meat and savoury foods [ [http://www.thenibble.com/zine/archives/varietal-peppercorns.asp#urfa Varietal Peppercorns: Spice Up Your Life] ] , because of its fruity overtones, it is becoming popular in to use in sweet dishes in North America. [http://habeasbrulee.com/2007/03/29/raspberry-pomegranate-urfa-biber-brownies/] [http://sunspiral.livejournal.com/204325.html]

References

External links

* [http://www.globalpalate.citymax.com/urfapage.html Global Palate-recipes and source for Urfa Biber and other ethnic spices and blends]
* [http://nymag.com/nymetro/food/reviews/9892/ Extra Spicy: "At Kalustyan’s Café, chef Mohan Ismail’s Indian-influenced menu showcases the world of exotic spices sold at the famed market across the street"]
* [http://www.jamesbeard.org/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=11717 Photo of Urfa Biber–Spiced Shrimp with Coconut Cream by Craig Koketsu] at the James Beard Foundation's 'Chefs & Champagne 07.21.07'
* [http://www.foodarts.com/Foodarts/FA_Feature/0,,250,00.html Pepper Powder Power]