What is pul biber?
Pul biber is a versatile spice that holds a prominent place in Middle Eastern and Turkish cuisine. The word 'pul' means 'flake' and 'biber' stands for 'chilli'. So, pul biber can be translated as 'chilli flakes'. The difference from traditional chilli flakes is that pul biber is ground a little finer, giving it a softer texture while still offering that characteristic spicy flavour.
This chilli pepper has a mild to medium spicy taste, complemented by a subtle sweetness. This makes it an accessible spice for everyone: spicy enough for those who love a kick, but not so intense that it overpowers. The taste could best be described as pleasantly spicy with a warm, sweet undertone.
Traditionally, pul biber is mixed with a small amount of olive oil and salt. This mixture has two advantages:
- Flavour enhancement: The addition of olive oil and salt accentuates the rich flavours of the chilli.
- Longer shelf life: Without olive oil and salt, the chilli can spoil faster, especially since chilli peppers naturally contain a lot of sugar, which attracts insects.
If you use pul biber without these additives, it is recommended to store it in the freezer to guarantee its quality and shelf life.
At The Good Spice, we normally opt for spices that are 100% pure, without additives. However, in consultation with farmer Hakan, we decided to add 2% olive oil and 4% salt. This is a compromise to extend the shelf life of the pul biber without needing to store it in the freezer.
How to best store pul biber?
Because we want to be extra careful with the product's quality, we currently deliver our pul biber in repack packaging instead of the usual tins. This is because we have not yet tested how the salt reacts with our tins.
Our tip: As soon as you receive your pul biber, transfer it to an airtight, dark jar. This way, the aromas are optimally preserved, and exposure to air and light is prevented.
A look at farmer Hakan in Hatay
Pul biber comes from farmer Hakan, a producer in Hatay, a region in Turkey known for its fertile soil. Unfortunately, this region was severely affected by the devastating earthquake in 2023. Farmer Hakan lost everything: his buildings, storage, and machinery. What he fortunately did retain was his land – and the soil in Hatay is very fertile. A beacon of hope.
Hatay is an area with many small farmers who grow chilli peppers. Unfortunately, many of them use pesticides and chemicals to increase their harvest. Due to competition from other countries, such as China, chilli pepper prices are very low, often leaving farmers with no choice but to produce unsustainably.
Hakan, however, consciously chooses a different approach.
“I eat from this land. My family, friends and customers also eat from this land. That's why I want to create a healthy product, without harming nature. I want my land to remain fertile for generations. You can already see how much more life there is on my land compared to the land nearby, where they do use poison.”
Hakan's sustainable mission
Hakan is currently in the process of applying for an organic certificate. This process is slow and costly, but essential to position his product as high-quality and sustainable. Although Hakan does not yet have an official organic label, we have ensured that his chilli peppers have been tested in a laboratory. This way, we can guarantee that they meet our high quality standards.
By paying Hakan a fair price, we are helping him rebuild his business after the earthquake. We also hope to inspire other farmers in the region to choose sustainable agriculture.
Why choose sustainable pul biber?
When you choose Hakan’s pul biber, you not only get an authentic product with a delicious taste, but you also contribute to:
- Sustainable agriculture: Fewer pesticides and chemicals.
- Fair trade: A price that helps Hakan rebuild his business.
- Environmental friendliness: Agriculture that can continue for generations.
Need inspiration? Use pul biber as a flavour enhancer in dishes such as:
- Turkish stuffed bell peppers
- Lentil soup with a spicy twist
- Oven-baked potatoes with a hint of spice
With pul biber, you bring the flavours of the Middle East into your home while simultaneously supporting a story of resilience and sustainability.
