Crushed red pepper, a common condiment found on tables in pizzerias and Italian restaurants, consists of dried and crushed chili peppers. These flakes provide a readily available method to add heat and a subtle fruity flavor to various dishes, most notably pizza. Often packaged in small packets or shakers, it offers a convenient way for individuals to customize the spice level of their meal directly at the point of consumption.
The use of this pepper product allows for the immediate enhancement of flavor profiles, delivering a stimulating sensation to the palate. Its readily available nature contributes to a user-controlled dining experience, adding a dimension of personal preference to restaurant meals and home cooking. Historically, the practice of using dried chilies as a seasoning dates back centuries, and their application on flatbreads like pizza evolved naturally with the globalization of food cultures.