Hot paprika is made from spicy peppers and has a pungent and fiery taste. It is commonly used in Mexican, Indian, and Hungarian cuisine, where it is used to add heat to dishes such as chili, curries, and goulash. Hot paprika is also used as a seasoning for grilled meats and vegetables.

Use Cases

Paprika originates from central Mexico, but it was brought to Europe in the 16th century by Christopher Columbus. Sometime after, paprika made its way to Hungary, and has been a staple food there ever since. Paprika is the Hungarian word for pepper. It’s the country’s national spice, and they spoon it on to pretty much any dish you can think of – from soups, stews and sauces to rice and eggs. It plays the starring role in Hungary’s most celebrated dish – goulash (a warming winter stew made from red meat, onions, potatoes and vegetables, served over egg noodles).

Additionally, capsaicin oleoresin is used in the production of pepper spray, a non-lethal self-defense tool that can temporarily incapacitate an attacker by causing intense irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system.

Paprika is known for its smoky and slightly bitter flavor, with a spicy kick that ranges from mild to hot. The level of spiciness depends on the type of paprika used, with Hungarian paprika being the spiciest and Spanish paprika being the mildest. The smoky flavor comes from the way the peppers are dried and smoked before being ground into powder. Paprika is commonly used in Hungarian, Spanish, and Moroccan cuisine, and is a key ingredient in dishes such as goulash, paella, and tagines.