Comparisons
Isot or Red Pepper Flakes?
Isot and red pepper flakes are both made from hot red pepper (Capsicum annuum); they differ in drying method and colour. Isot is a geographically protected product of Urfa. The table is built from the sourced cards of both herbs.
| Aspect | Isot PepperCapsicum annuum | Red Pepper FlakesCapsicum annuum |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest evidence | T Traditional use | — No rated benefit |
| Needs | Digestion | — |
| Form | Spice | Spice |
| How to use | Add to dishes, kebabs, çiğ köfte and salads as a spice. | Sprinkle on dishes, pizza, soups and salads. |
| Pregnancy | Generally safe | Generally safe |
| Breastfeeding | Caution | Caution |
| Recommended minimum age | Not stated | Not stated |
| Drug interactions | No recorded interactions | No recorded interactions |
| Duration limit | Not stated | Not stated |
Which one, when?
Isot Pepper
Traditionally used as a spice in kebabs, çiğ köfte and salads, and to stimulate appetite at meals.
Full card →Red Pepper Flakes
A spice sprinkled on pizza, soups and salads; there is no sourced health benefit on record. Not applied to the skin; pharmacy capsaicin products for pain are separate.
Full card →Good to know
- Both can worsen reflux, gastritis, ulcers or haemorrhoids.
- Poorly stored red pepper carries a risk of mould toxin (aflatoxin); buy from a reliable source.
- Avoid contact with the eyes and wash your hands after use.
Sources
- Capsicum annuum L. and its bioactive constituents: a critical review of a traditional culinary spice in terms of its modern pharmacological potentials with toxicological issuesPhytotherapy Research · 2023 · ReviewSource accessed:
- Determination of aflatoxin B1 levels in deep-red ground pepper (isot) using immunoaffinity column combined with ELISAFood and Chemical Toxicology · 2008 · Preclinical studySource accessed: