Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
Ufra Biber is a unique, flavorful dried chili pepper originating from the Urfa region of Turkey. It is highly prized for its rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor, with moderate heat and a complex, earthy aroma. Ufra Biber chiles are harvested when ripe and then dried using a two-stage process. Initially, the chiles are sun-dried during the day, and at night they are wrapped to “sweat,” which gives them their signature dark, purplish-black color and moist, slightly oily texture.
On the Scoville scale, Ufra Biber chiles measure between 30,000 and 50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), giving them a moderate heat level similar to cayenne peppers. However, the heat is balanced by the chiles’ sweet, raisin-like undertones, with hints of chocolate, tobacco, and dried fruit, making them a versatile ingredient that enhances a wide variety of dishes without overwhelming them with spiciness.
In Turkish cuisine, Ufra Biber is commonly used in kebabs, meat dishes, and stews, where its unique flavor profile adds depth and complexity. The chiles are often crushed or ground into flakes and sprinkled over meats or vegetables before grilling or roasting. Ufra Biber is also popular in Middle Eastern cooking, where it is used to season lamb, beef, and poultry, as well as in sauces, marinades, and spice rubs.
One of the key characteristics of Ufra Biber is its oily, slightly sticky texture, which allows it to blend seamlessly into dishes, creating a rich, savory flavor. It is often used as a finishing spice, adding a smoky, sweet heat to everything from grilled meats to eggplant dishes and even yogurt-based sauces.