Most red pepper flakes are from the species Capsicum annuum. Our Organic Crushed Red Pepper Flakes come from the dried and pulverized fruits ofseveral types of chiles. Capsicum is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae family) and are related to potatoes, eggplants, tomatillos and tomatoes. In this country, red pepper flakes have become as common in pizza parlors as salt and pepper is at most other restaurants. For most of us, red pepper flakes are an integral part of the pizza experience - you almost can't imagine having a slice without first giving a shake or two of these zippy flakes.