In summary, paprika and bell pepper have different origins and varieties. Paprika originated in Mexico and was brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus. Hungary and Spain are known for producing some of the best paprika in the world, with a range of varieties that vary in flavor, heat, and color. Bell peppers are native to South America and come in a variety of colors. There are several types of paprika, including sweet, hot, and smoked, each with its own unique flavor profile.

Having said this, something as beneficial as capsaicin does not come without any trade-offs. Producing capsaicin takes a lot of energy, which is why some peppers are not spicy. In some cases it makes more sense to make a lot of fruit with less or no capsaicin, thus producing more seed, and getting offspring by overwhelming predators and plagues by sheer volume.

Spanish paprika, also known as pimentón, is another popular variety that is made from smoked peppers. It has a distinct smoky flavor and is often used in traditional Spanish dishes like paella and chorizo.

Chili peppers are used in a wide variety of cuisines around the world, including Mexican, Thai, Indian, and many others. They can be used fresh, dried, or ground into powders to add heat and flavor to dishes such as salsas, curries, hot sauces, and marinades.

La Vera Smoked Hot Paprika, also known as picante, is a Spanish paprika that has been smoked the traditional way – in a drying house, over oak wood, for a period of 10-15 days. The end result is a spice that exhibits a deep, dark earthy red color and mild, but noticeable, heat. This spice measures approximately 500 - 1,000 on the Scoville Heat Unit Scale.