About Red Pepper Uses, Pairings and Recipes

McCormick Red Pepper is made from the seeds and pods of red chili peppers. We test each new crop of field-grown peppers for color, flavor, aroma and heat.

WHAT PEPPER IS CRUSHED RED PEPPER?

The chili pepper is one of the spiciest members of the capsicum family. There’s no better place to turn if you’re looking to add spicy, intense flavor to any dish. You know your crushed red pepper is fresh if it sets your nose tingling when you take that first whiff. It should be a deep red color, with flecks of yellow seeds. Ground red pepper is also known as cayenne and is a member of the capsicum family of chili peppers and brings intense chili heat and bright red color to every dish it’s part of.

HOW MCCORMICK SOURCES RED PEPPER

The chili pepper is one of the spiciest members of the capsicum family. There’s no better place to turn if you’re looking to add spicy, intense flavor to any dish. You know your crushed red pepper is fresh if it sets your nose tingling when you take that first whiff. It should be a deep red color, with flecks of yellow seeds. Ground red pepper is also known as cayenne and is a member of the capsicum family of chili peppers and brings intense chili heat and bright red color to every dish it’s part of.

WHERE DOES RED PEPPER COME FROM?

McCormick Red Pepper, also called cayenne pepper, is made from the seeds and pods of red, ripe chili peppers that have been gently sun dried and milled. We test each batch of peppers for color, flavor, aroma and heat. Such close attention to every harvest is the only way to ensure that you can count on cayenne from one jar of McCormick Red Pepper to offer the same level of heat and deep, red color as the next.

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TYPES OF RED PEPPER:

Crushed Red Pepper: This type of red pepper is made from dehydrated and crushed red peppers, typically cayenne red pepper. Crushed red pepper is great for adding a spicy kick to popular foods like pizza, soups, salads and even sauces.

Red pepper flakes: Visually similar to crushed red pepper, red pepper flakes tend to have a finer texture and typically pack more heat in terms of flavor.

Cayenne red pepper: This type of red pepper spice is derived from various hot peppers within the capsicum family. Cayenne red pepper is a fine powder that delivers an intense heat and distinct smoky taste. This spice is fantastic when used to make chili powders or when added directly into a recipe for an extra kick of heat and flavor.

Other red pepper varieties that possess a unique flavor profile and heat level include:

Paprika (made from bell peppers)
Aleppo Pepper (made from Aleppo chilies)
Chipotle Powder (made from smoked jalapeños)

IS CAYENNE PAPPER THE SAME AS RED PEPPER?

Crushed red pepper is a beautiful red spice that’s made from dried and crushed red chili peppers, typically cayenne.

FLAVORS THAT GO WITH RED PEPPER:

Add even more flavor to your meals with herbs and spices that go well with red pepper, including:

Garlic: McCormick partners with family owned farms to grow garlic that can be used as powder or minced. It adds instant flavor into whatever you’re cooking because our bottles contain garlic and only garlic, and nothing else. Garlic is a member of the lily family, native to Central Asia and cousin to leeks, chives, onions and shallots. It’s the most pungent of the lilies, with a strong flavor and aroma. Unless you’re using it to ward off vampires, as people have done since the 1700s, it pays to use allium sativum with a gentle hand.
Cumin: Our pure cumin is an easy way to add deep, earthy citrusy flavors to spark your favorite meals. Cumin is one of the top 10 selling spices in the U.S. The spice dates back to Egypt 4,000 years ago, and McCormick Cumin is hand-harvested, sun-dried and carefully screened so you know you're getting nothing but the purest flavor. Add this spice for a warm flavor and earthy color to everyday soups, stews, meats and vegetables. Cumin is beloved around the world for bringing a warm, earthy, spicy, peppery flavor to simple dishes. It doesn't matter what type of cuisine you're cooking. Cumin is a great way to spark up the flavor.
Ginger: Ginger is one of those intriguing spices that can walk the fine line between savory and sweet. The very finest ginger comes from small holder farmers on one to two acre plots of land off the Malabar Coast of India. Ginger has enjoyed some unusual uses, including warding off the plague during Henry VIII’s time. In the 19th century, ginger was commonly sprinkled on top of beer or ale and then stirred into the drink with a hot poker. Today, ginger is an essential ingredient in all kinds of sweet and savory dishes. Ginger is the rhizome, or underground stem, of a small plant that grows two to four feet in height. McCormick Ginger is grown from roots planted just before the start of monsoon season. About nine months later, when the leaves of the plants die back, the roots are harvested by hand, carefully washed and gently dried in the sun. We test every batch, every year, to ensure that each bottle of McCormick Ginger delivers consistent flavor, aroma and heat.
Turmeric: McCormick Turmeric hails from India, where it’s considered a sacred part of Hindi culture. We monitor its progress from field to package to ensure consistent color and quality in every bottle. The turmeric plant hides its brilliant color underground, showing only glossy green leaves and multi-petaled white flowers. But dig up the root, carefully clean and dry it, and you have an extraordinary spice beloved as much for its color as its flavor. Our pure turmeric in ground form is a lively partner for infusing curries, soups, stews, rubs, marinades and vegetable and rice dishes with beautiful color and citrusy aroma.
Basil: Sweet and fragrant basil complements tomato-based dishes including pizza, pasta and marinara sauce. It also pairs well with vegetable, chicken, pork or seafood.

HOW LONG DO SPICES LAST?

While dried herbs and spices typically last for 1–2 years, there are some exceptions worth noting when it comes to the shelf life of spices. Maintain the freshness of your spices and herbs with these helpful storage tips.

GRAB YOUR RED PEPPER PRODUCTS!

What is red pepper? Well, crushed red pepper and ground red pepper, commonly called cayenne, are made from the same hot chili pepper. You can easily substitute one for the other. There are a variety of fantastic red pepper products, including:

AND TRY THESE RECIPES THAT USE RED PEPPER:

Want to create a meal plan for your red pepper recipes? Need help planning your weekly meals and want to try new recipes? Save your favorite food, dessert, drink recipes and organize your ingredients with the McCormick Meal Planner.