Sempio Sun-Dried Gochugaru is the core spice of Korean cuisine — a pure 100% dried red pepper powder made from naturally sun-dried ripe red peppers. It is distinctly different from the chili powder or paprika powder commonly used in Europe. Ordinary chili powder is a blend of multiple spices, whereas Gochugaru contains only one ingredient: dried red pepper. Its flavour is characterised by a moderate heat balanced with a subtle natural sweetness and a clean, fruity aroma with no smokiness. The colour is a vivid deep crimson that adds beautiful visual appeal to dishes. It is an essential ingredient in Kimchi and a wide range of other Korean recipes.

Yes. Sempio 100% Sun-Dried Gochugaru is made solely from dried red peppers and contains no animal-derived ingredients whatsoever, making it fully suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets. It also contains no gluten-containing ingredients, so it can be used in a gluten-free diet. However, official allergen information regarding potential cross-contamination has not been fully confirmed at this time. If you have a severe allergy, we recommend contacting the manufacturer (Sempio) directly for official allergen documentation before purchasing.

Sempio Sun-Dried Fine Gochugaru has a medium level of heat. On the Scoville scale, it falls roughly in the 4,000–8,000 SHU range — slightly hotter than Hungarian hot paprika, but considerably milder than Mexican habanero peppers. What sets it apart is not just the heat, but the gentle sweetness and depth of flavour that accompany it. If you are using it for the first time, we recommend starting with a small amount and adjusting to your personal preference. The fine grind dissolves smoothly into sauces, marinades, and soups, delivering an even distribution of colour and flavour throughout the dish.

Sempio Sun-Dried Fine Gochugaru is used across a wide range of Korean dishes. The most classic application is making Kimchi (Baechu Kimchi, Kkakdugi, etc.). It is also widely used in Tteokbokki sauce, Sundubu Jjigae (soft tofu stew), Yukgaejang (spicy beef soup), Bibimbap seasoning, and Gochujang-based stir-fries. If you want to incorporate it into European cooking, try adding a small amount to pasta sauces, soups, stews, or sautéed vegetables for a rich colour and a gentle warmth. The fine grind is especially well-suited to sauces and coats food surfaces evenly.

Sempio Sun-Dried Gochugaru is best stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. After opening, transfer to an airtight container or seal the packaging tightly and store in the refrigerator or freezer. Refrigeration helps preserve the colour and aroma for longer, while freezing keeps it fresh for several months or more. Storage at room temperature may cause the colour to fade and the aroma to weaken due to light and humidity. Please check the best before date (Best Before / BBD) printed on the product packaging. All mandatory information is labelled in accordance with EU food labelling regulations (EU 1169/2011).