Espelette Pepper

Ben's spice blend for his fried chicken included espelette pepper alongside cumin, ground ginger, cinnamon, and smoked paprika. Espelette pepper (piment d'Espelette) comes from the Basque region of France and offers a gentle, fruity warmth rather than aggressive heat. It rates only 1,500 to 2,500 on the Scoville scale, making it milder than a jalapeno. Its flavour is sweet, slightly smoky, and complex, which is why chefs reach for it when they want warmth without overwhelming other ingredients. For home cooks, it is available as a dried powder and works beautifully in spice rubs, finishing seasoning, and anywhere you want subtle heat with character.