Five Pepper Blend

A coarse five-way pepper mix of pink peppercorns, Turkish chillies, Aleppo pepper, hot Armenian pepper and sumac. The heat builds slowly and stays fruity rather than sharp, and the sumac runs a sour, lemony line through it that keeps the chilli from flattening out.

Each element pulls in a different direction, from fruity heat to gentle smokiness to tangy brightness, which is what gives the mix its layered flavour without letting any one part overwhelm the dish.

How to use it

It is at its best as a finishing sprinkle, over grilled meats, salads, dips, eggs and hummus, and it also works stirred into marinades, rubs and other seasoning blends. Technique tip: because it is a finishing mix rather than a cooking one, scatter it after the food comes off the heat. Sumac loses its sourness under prolonged cooking and the pink peppercorns turn dull and brown.

The shaker jar

The jar option is packed in a clear 8 oz shaker jar made from lightweight, food-safe PET, so the colour and texture of the blend are visible at a glance. As this is a coarse blend, it is best spooned out: simply unscrew the cap, and the wide mouth takes a teaspoon with ease. A pressure-sensitive liner seals the jar until first use, and the fitted flip-top cap keeps the blend fresh between uses. Once empty, the jar is easy to refill and makes a practical home for dried herbs, salt or any finely ground spice, where the three-hole sifter cap gives an even sprinkle. Hand wash only.

Details

Also known as

خمسة فلفل