chagrinvalleyherbsociety Fun Facts
Growing
This pepper is also known as the Halaby pepper, from the Arabic word Halab for the Syrian city Aleppo. Ripening in late summer or early fall, the fruit of the Aleppo pepper matures to a rich red or burgundy color, 3.5 to 4 inches long and 1.5 inches wide on plants reaching 4 feet tall. The Aleppo pepper plant is a hardy plant that can grow in various soil types and climates. It requires full sunlight and moderate watering. The plant can grow up to 2-3 feet in height and can produce peppers throughout the growing season. Aleppo peppers typically ripen in late summer or early fall. Look for peppers that have turned a deep, dark red color. They should be firm to the touch but not rock hard. If your peppers are still green, leave them on the plant for a bit longer to ripen. When it comes to harvesting, be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the pepper’s heat. Use a pair of scissors or pruning shears to8 snip the pepper off the plant, leaving a bit of stem attached. This will help the pepper stay fresh longer. Technically, Aleppo peppers are only hardy for Zones 8 and above so if you would like to grow them, it might be best to start from seed indoors early to maximize the growing season. They can also be grown indoors in pots. Some plants that compliment hot peppers particularly well are basil, cosmos, zinnias, garlic, peas, broccoli, and carrots.
Historical
The Aleppo pepper, named for the city in Syria of the same name, is a variety of Capsicum annuum. It is grown for local use and export in both Syria and Turkey. The history of this pepper dates back centuries, in Aleppo, Syria. Their location on the Silk Road led to the development of this cultivar to be used in their cuisine.
Medicinal Uses
For educational purposes only, don’t try this at home…Some of the reported health benefits from the Aleppo pepper include weight loss, improved eye sight, lower blood pressure and boost immunity. It acts as a mucoactive agent or expectorant and helps relieve nasal congestion and mucus of the airways. The anti-inflammatory properties of the spice also help reduce inflammation of the lungs, such as in the case of asthma. It can reduce stress and detoxify the body. It is reputed to be good for the heart and diabetes. Capsaicin has also been credited with easing joint inflammation and pain, particularly in arthritis or rheumatism.
Culinary, Beauty and Dyes
This pepper is cut, de-seeded, and partially dried in the sun. They are then coarsely ground, mixed with olive oil and salt and finished drying for use as a spice. Common uses of Aleppo pepper include spice mixes or rubs for seasoning meat and poultry, bean dishes, roasted vegetables, egg dishes, avocado toast and dips. While spicy, this pepper only ranks a moderate 10,0000 units on the Scoville scale. This pepper enhances the flavor of food with a sweet heat, and earthy, fruity and smoky notes.
Tips:
• Purchase Aleppo pepper, not Aleppo style pepper, which has a higher heat level.
• Crushed and prepared Aleppo pepper is a rich burgundy color, does not include the seeds and is more mild than crushed red pepper.
• Aleppo pepper enhances, adds complex flavors and layers of flavor to dishes.
• Along with the spice, Aleppo pepper as a sweet, tangy, earthy and fruity flavors to foods.
• Use in spice blends or seasoning rubs or directly on meats, poultry, roasted vegetables, egg dishes, avocado toast.
• Use to rim cocktail glasses.
• Store in a dark, cool and dry place for up to 3 years
Recipes
Creamy Whipped Feta Dip
8 ounces block quality feta, drained
¾ cup Greek yogurt
1 lemon zest
2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, more as needed
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes) (to your taste)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2-3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, optional
1-2 tablespoons crushed pistachios, optional
In the bowl of a large food processor fitted with a blade, combine the feta, Greek yogurt and lemon zest. Blend, and while the processor is running, drizzle olive oil through the top opening, until the feta is whipped to a smooth mixture.
Transfer the whipped feta to a serving plate. With the back of your spoon, smooth the top of the feta, making an indentation in the middle (or a “well”). Pour a bit of olive oil all over the feta, then top with the Aleppo pepper, fresh herbs, and nuts. Can also top with roasted tomatoes or broccoli. Serve with pita chips, pita wedges or favorite vegetables.
Suzy Karadsheh The Mediterranean Dish
There were some other great recipes on The Herb Society of America’s website. You can find them at: 67352fe7-97e5-4c40-b355-a69ee1bb6837 (herbsociety.org). Other great recipes include: Muhammara (a roasted pepper and walnut spread), Simple Vegetarian Sweet Potato Stew and Aleppo Pepper marinade. I’ll be trying several of these recipes out because they sound delicious and we are big fans of spicy food.
