Calabrian Chile Flakes to Use With Abandon

Freshness counts with dried crushed chile flakes: Look for bright red shards with an oily sheen, and more vibrancy on the palate. The new Boonville Barn Collective Calabrian Chile Flakes, from the 2021 fall harvest, deliver an almost floral aroma and balanced, lingering heat with a whisper of sweetness. Use with abandon on pizza, in linguine with clams, even over steamed lobster. The Northern California company was previously called Piment d’Ville, and is known for Espelette chile powder. Krissy Scommegna and Gideon Burdick took over ownership and gave it a new name in 2020, and expanded the inventory with assorted whole dried chiles and chile powders, all from chiles that they grow. I only wish the spices came in metal tins instead of transparent jars.

$10.99 for 1.2 ounces, boonvillebarn.com.

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source: nytimes.com