Is aged cayenne red pepper vegan?

Aged cayenne red pepper is a seasoned pepper mash made from mature red cayenne chili peppers that have undergone a curing or fermentation process. It is produced by harvesting ripe cayenne peppers, grinding them into a mash, blending them with salt, and allowing the mixture to ferment in barrels or tanks over several months or years. This aging process mellows the raw heat, develops complex organic acids, and deepens the natural flavor profile of the chilies. It is most frequently found on the ingredient lists of commercial hot sauces, barbecue glazes, buffalo wing marinades, and spicy snack seasonings.

The ingredient is vegan because it originates purely from botanical sources, mineral salt, and naturally occurring microbial fermentation. The standard agricultural and processing methods used to cure and age cayenne peppers involve no animal tissues, dairy, or animal-derived processing aids, making it entirely plant-based.