Paprika is Hungary’s national spice; you’ll find it on tables right next to the salt and pepper, and you can’t make time-honored Hungarian food, like goulash, without a heaping helping of paprika. Paprika peppers are grown all over the country though Kalocsa and Szeged, cities located in southern Hungary, are two of the most important regions for paprika production. 

Another worthy replacement for smoked paprika is ancho chili powder. It’s made from dried and ground ancho chiles. This pepper is more common in Mexican cooking but found its way into the United States by way of Tex Mex cuisine. They offer mild to medium heat that only ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 SHU. It has a deep, smoky and slightly sweet flavor. For this reason, you don’t have to worry as much when using this as a replacement as it won’t overpower your dish as easily compared to chipotle powder. To use as an effective backup, you can incorporate exactly how much a recipe calls for smoked paprika.

The price of paprika per kilogram in China is influenced by various factors, such as the quality of the peppers used, the processing methods, and the supply and demand in the market. Some regions in China are known for producing high-quality paprika, which can fetch a higher price per kilogram compared to lower quality varieties.

Paprika oleoresin is a natural extract derived from the spice paprika, which is made from ground, dried Capsicum annuum peppers. The oleoresin is obtained through a solvent extraction process that captures the essential oils, pigments, and flavors of paprika. It is a concentrated form of the spice, often used as a coloring and flavoring agent in the food industry.

If you can’t find fresh red chillies, just use the good old dried red chillies. Soak the dried chillies in warm water to rehydrate them and then grind them up. When your sauce is ready, you should see tiny pieces of chilli and minced garlic floating around. These little bits are the life of the sauce.

Another option is to use a spice blend or a spice rub because these may contain large amounts of paprika. Cajun and Creole seasonings, for example, are mainly paprika along with garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne, so you could certainly substitute one for the other. Similarly, Old Bay seasoning is mainly celery salt and paprika. As in the cases above, go with a 1:1 ratio.

This substitute for hot paprika also has an earthy flavor that can enhance the overall taste and aroma of what you're preparing.

Additionally, it is important to consider the pricing of red chili pods when choosing a supplier. While it is important to find a supplier that offers competitive prices, it is also important to consider the quality of the red chili pods being provided. It is worth paying a little extra for high-quality red chili pods that will enhance the flavor of your dishes.

Switching with this spice is pretty straightforward. Just use an equal amount of chipotle powder for every smoked paprika the recipe calls for. 

Regular paprika is not necessarily the product of one specific chile but rather, can be a combination of several different peppers that meet the correct heat and color requirements. It usually comes from New Mexico, California, Hungary, or South America.  

Orange Bell Peppers