Description

Merkén, also written merquén, is one of Chile’s most distinctive seasonings, rooted in the culinary traditions of the Mapuche people of the Araucanía region. Traditionally crafted from sun-dried, wood-smoked cacho de cabra chillies ground with toasted coriander, cumin and salt, it carries the unmistakable character of open fire.

Spice Zen’s certified organic Merkén honours this heritage while thoughtfully adapting it to our Australian context. As traditional Mapuche chillies are not commercially available here, we recreate their signature profile through a balanced blend of Spanish smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, toasted coriander seed, cumin and mineral-rich black and pink rock salts. The result is gently smoky, measured in heat and deeply savoury.

A light sprinkle brings the warmth of fire-roasted chilli. A fuller pinch builds mellow heat and earthy spice depth. From roasted vegetables and grilled meats to soups, seafood and even pizza, Merkén brings the rustic spirit of Chilean smoke craft into the modern kitchen.

Hand-toasted where required, stone-milled for texture and blended in small batches at our gluten free Sydney facility using certified organic ingredients selected for purity and aromatic strength. Packed fresh in recyclable amber glass jars to preserve natural oils, colour and smokiness.

Flavour & Aroma Profile

Smoky roasted chilli, warm earthy cumin, citrus-lifted coriander, gentle cayenne heat and natural mineral salinity. Deep, rustic and quietly complex.

How to Use

Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon per serve over eggs, avocado, soups or bowls
Toss 1 teaspoon with 500 g vegetables and 1 tablespoon oil before roasting
Rub 1 to 1½ teaspoons onto 500 g meat, chicken, seafood or tofu with a little oil
Stir ¼ to ½ teaspoon into ½ cup yoghurt, mayonnaise or salsa
Lightly dust ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon over pizza, tacos or sandwiches
Mix 1 teaspoon with 2 tablespoons oil for a simple dipping sauce

Perfect For

Soups and slow-simmered stews
Roasted vegetables and rustic bowls
Meat and seafood rubs
Sandwiches and burgers
Dips and sauces
Pizza and modern fusion dishes

Wellness Tradition

Smoked chilli, coriander and cumin have long been appreciated in South American culinary traditions for the grounding warmth and depth they bring to everyday cooking. These reflections honour cultural food heritage rather than medical guidance.

Presentation & Storage

Handcrafted in small batches and packed in recyclable amber glass jars to preserve aroma, smokiness and freshness. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light.

Ingredients & Nutritional Information

Certified Organic Ingredients: Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Coriander seed, Cumin seed and Pink Salt.

Dietary Information:

Certified Organic
Gluten Free
Vegan
Fresh ground spices
Artisan small batch
No Onion or Garlic
Nut Free
No Corn, Flour, Soy or Fillers
No Added Sweetener
No Processing Aids or Anti Caking agents
No Added Flavours or Preservatives

Country of Origin: Made with imported ingredients; Ground & Packed in Sydney, Australia.

Recipe Inspirations & Pairings

Cooking Inspirations

• Flame-grilled meats & seafood

• Rustic soups, chowders & stews

• Roasted potatoes, pumpkin & corn

• Buttered vegetables or sautéed greens

• Sandwiches, burgers & wraps

• Pizza, eggs, tacos & loaded fries

• Mayonnaise, dips, salsas & infused oils

• Modern fusion bowls, tacos & snacks

Signature Recipes

1. All-Purpose Merkén Pizza Seasoning

Ingredients

Merkén, to taste
Sea salt, optional (to balance acidity in sauce)

Method

Sprinkle Merkén directly over pizza sauce before baking for a smoky, gently spicy base.
Dust a small pinch after baking for an aromatic finish and deeper flavour expression.
Season crust edges with Merkén + olive oil for a smoky chilli lift.

Chef’s Tips

• Start with ¼–½ tsp per pizza and adjust to preference.

• For family-friendly heat: sprinkle before baking only.

• For a bold, smoky finish: sprinkle after baking.

2. Smoky Merkén Roast Potatoes

Ingredients

600 g potatoes, chopped
1–2 tbsp olive oil
1–1½ tsp Merkén
Salt to taste
Parsley (optional)

Method

Toss potatoes with oil, Merkén and salt.
Roast at 200°C until crisp and golden.
Finish with parsley.

Chef’s Tip

• Add garlic or rosemary for extra depth.

3. Chile-Style Merkén Chicken or Tofu

Ingredients

500 g chicken thigh or firm tofu
1 tbsp Merkén
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt

Method

Coat chicken or tofu with Merkén, oil and salt.
Marinate 15–30 minutes.
Grill or pan-sear until charred and cooked.

Chef’s Tip

• Serve with lime, yoghurt or chimichurri.

4.Merkén Creamy Cannellini & Broccoli Soup

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Merkén (plus extra for finishing)
Steamed broccoli
1 cup cooked cannellini beans
1½ cups vegetable stock
Salt to taste
Cream or coconut milk (optional)

Method

Bloom Merkén in warm oil until aromatic.
Add broccoli and beans; coat well.
Pour in stock and simmer gently.
Blend until smooth; adjust salt.
Finish with a dusting of Merkén.

Chef’s Tip

• Add lemon for brightness or coriander for freshness.

Pair It With Spice Zen Cold-Pressed Oils

Olive Oil, classic for Merkén dips & marinades
Sunflower Oil, neutral for roasting and sautéing
Sesame Oil, adds nutty depth for fusion bowls and vegetables

Pair It With Spice Zen Teas

Smoky Daintree Tea, complements the spice’s smokiness
Assam Black Tea, bold pairing with spicy dishes
Lemongrass & Ginger Tea, refreshing contrast to smoky heat

Payment & Security

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Merkén Seasoning

Smoky, warm and gently spicy seasoning inspired by the Mapuche tradition of southern Chile, earthy, fragrant and deeply aromatic, crafted to bring bold, fire-kissed flavour to everyday cooking.

No Onion or Garlic|No Added Sugar|No Fillers or Flour

$10.00

Tax included.

Size: 30 gm

30 gm 60 gm 95 gm

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