Dried Jalapeno Flakes

Dried jalapeno flakes are made from the ripe fruit of the jalapeno pepper plant, a cultivar of the chili pepper species *Capsicum annuum*. The peppers are harvested, dried, and then crushed or flaked to create the spice. This process concentrates their flavor and heat.

Dried jalapeno flakes are used to add a spicy, pungent flavor and a touch of heat to a variety of foods. They are commonly found in spice blends, rubs, marinades, and as a topping for snacks like popcorn, chips, and pizzas. Their primary function is to enhance the flavor profile of a product.

Dried jalapeno flakes are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in chili peppers, is being studied for various potential health effects, though research is ongoing and not conclusive. JECFA has evaluated capsaicinoids, but no specific regulatory limits or evaluations for dried jalapeno flakes themselves are noted. At typical dietary intake levels, they are not associated with adverse health effects.