Chili Flakes ~ Medium

In addition to the fives tastes -- sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami -- our tongues can detect capsaicin, the main ingredient found in chili.

The heat of capsaicin in red pepper flakes "points up" the taste of ingredients they season. So, no matter what tastes and flavors you have going on in a dish, a pinch of red pepper flakes will help clarify those flavors without necessarily adding heat.

Dried chili have a very different flavor to fresh ones, as upon drying a caramelization of the sugars takes place which creates a delicious, robust taste not found in fresh chili , in the same way a sun-dried tomato has a more complex flavor profile than a fresh one.

Sprinkle these tasty, medium heat chili flakes on pasta and spaghetti or use them in spicy dishes like chili con carne, chili sauces, relishes and chutneys.

Chili varieties like Bhut Jolokia, Bird’s Eye Chili, Habanero, Bell Pepper and Paprika are said to have originated in South and Central America and started being used as a spice over 5000 years ago.

Red Pepper flakes or dried chili flakes are the dry seeds from the hot chili peppers, or from a mix of different peppers, such as: cayenne, bell peppers and jalapeno. They get their pungent bite from the presence of capsaicin, the component that stimulates circulation and the digestive process inducing perspiration.

Health Benefits

All Chili peppers contain capsaicin. The amount of capsaicin is relative to the heat of the Chili pepper. The more pronounced the heat, the more capsaicin.

Capsaicin is considered highly anti-inflammatory and may benefit those suffering from inflammatory disorders, such as arthritis osteoarthritis, psoriasis, shingles and diabetic neuropathy.

Capsaicin is also commonly considered a beneficial adjunct to a healthy lifestyle in cardiovascular function, increasing circulation, as well as an appetite suppressant and metabolism booster.

Peppers also contain free-radical fighting properties, which may help to maintain a youthful complexion, and prevent cellular damage that can lead to disease. Chilies are also an excellent source of antioxidants Vitamins: A and C, as well as Vitamin K.