Origin

Merquén or merkeñ in mapudungun language is a hot and aromatic spice produced in the south of Chile by the Mapuches (Chilean natives indigenous). The precedence of this spice is from the Mapuche kitchen (prehispanic food) and the area were this is grown and elaborated is called Araucanía and accounts for the largest Mapuche community in the country.

Characteristics
The merquén is made from a dried and smoked red hot chili pepper called “aji cacho de cabra” (or goat´s horn) name given due to its structure and form. The chilis are dried and smoked, then blended with coriander seeds, cumin and salt.
Our delicious and unique merquén is produced by a local community of mapuches organized under a governmental social program called INDAP CHILE.

The merquen has been for centuries part of the basic food basket for the Mapuches and in the actual days has become a neo-gourmet product among chefs and culinary lovers. It is a spice that enhance all kind of foods for traditional dishes and a perfect complement for dressing salads.
It is famous for its toasted, smoky flavor.

Cullinary Uses

Try it with mashed potatoes; lamb , all kinds of beef & poultry cooked at the oven or grilled.
If blended with avocado or olive oil it is an excellent alternative to marinate all kinds of meat during two hours.
Is an ideal complement for the preparation of traditional dishes such as lintels, garbanzos, beans or minestrone.