Urfa biber

Urfa biber (also known as Urfa pepper, Isot pepper or simply Urfa) is a dried Turkish chili pepper of the type Capsicum annuum cultivated in the Urfa region of Turkey. It is often described as having a smoky, 'raisin-like' taste.

History

The cultivation of Urfa biber in the Urfa region dates back several centuries. The pepper is named after this region, which is known for its rich, fertile soil and hot, dry climate - conditions that are ideal for growing this type of pepper.

Cultivation

Urfa biber is typically planted in the spring and harvested in the summer. After harvesting, the peppers are sun-dried during the day and wrapped tightly at night. This process, known as 'sweating', allows the peppers to retain their natural oils and develop their characteristic smoky flavor.

Culinary Uses

In Turkish cuisine, Urfa biber is used to flavor a variety of dishes, including kebabs, stews, and meze. It is also commonly used as a condiment, sprinkled on dishes to add heat and flavor. Outside of Turkey, Urfa biber is gaining popularity among chefs and home cooks for its unique taste and versatility.

Health Benefits

Like other chili peppers, Urfa biber is rich in vitamin C and capsaicin, a compound that has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including pain relief and improved heart health.

See Also

• List of Capsicum cultivars
• Turkish cuisine
• Chili pepper