Aged Red Pepper Powder

Aged red pepper powder is made from dried red chili peppers that have been aged, which can mellow their flavor and deepen their color. The aging process can involve storing the peppers for a period before they are ground into a powder. This ingredient is a spice derived from a vegetable.

Manufacturers use aged red pepper powder primarily as a spice to add a distinct flavor and color to foods. It is often found in processed meats like sausages and hot dogs, as well as in seasoning blends and marinades. Its flavor profile can range from mild to intensely spicy, depending on the type of pepper used.

Aged red pepper powder is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a source of capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat. While capsaicin has been studied for various health effects, including pain relief and metabolism, evidence is mixed and more research is needed. JECFA has evaluated capsaicinoids, but did not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified). It is not typically associated with adverse health effects at the levels found in food.