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powder-flake Crushed red pepper flakes?

If you’ve noticed that there are different colors to the chili flakes in the bottle that’s your first clue. It’s normally more than one dried chili variety that makes the cut. In fact, most popular store brands will have three or four different varieties of chilies in them.

Photo Credit: Ruth L via Compfight cc

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A staple for most is cayenne pepper. That chili is obviously popular in cayenne powder form, but it’s the base for many crushed red pepper recipes. Others that may be in the mix: Serrano chilies, jalapeños, ancho (dried poblano), and even the no-heat bell pepper may be added.
 
It depends! Some are cayenne some are Indian chilies. But usually they all come from India. They grow a lot of cayenne and also other chilies for red pepper flakes. Sometimes its birdseye too. Cayenne is the most popular and grown in India.
 
In my lifetime, I've had pizza joint chile flakes that were actually hot, maybe, a dozen times.

Papa Murphy's and Pizza Hut Chile flakes, no bueno.

I make my own. Usually a blend Japones and Cayennes.
 
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