Imagine a chile pepper walking through an orange grove, ad you have the flavor of dried Aleppo pepper--an essential ingredient in Levantine cuisine. Prized for its mild heat and burst of fruitiness. Its warm complexity makes it a brilliant solo player for seasoning grilled meats and stews while also playing nice with others. Mix it with cumin and cinnamon for a simple spice rub, or add a little verve to your dessert game by sprinkling it on fresh peaches or even ice cream.

Villa Jerada makes award winning Moroccan & Levantine pantry products that celebrate ancestral culinary traditions, based in Seattle, WA.