MERKEN
A POWDER MADE FROM A TYPE OF CHILI PEPPER AND CORIANDER
It is known that Mapuche food is more natural because it is made from organic products with high nutritional value.
Merken, a spice mixture, is made primarily of a long, pointed chili pepper called "aji", or "cacho de cabra" in local dialect.
The pepper is grown throughout the region and is gathered in February, when it turns from bright green to red
Preparation
- After the harvest, the "ají" is sun-dried until it becomes violet-colored.
- The dried chilies are smoked for half an hour and are hung from the ceiling in wicker baskets directly over a wood-fire.
- After being dried in the sun a second time, the "aji" is finely ground with a stone mortar.
- Lightly smoked coriander seeds and sea salt are added to the "aji" powder.
Merken is always made with at least 70% "ají" powder and never more than 20% salt.
The Merken is used to flavor soups, meats, omelettes and salads.