It's important to note that the spiciness of oleoresin Capsicum can have significant effects on individuals, and exposure to high concentrations should be approached with caution. When used in food products, the spiciness of oleoresin Capsicum should be carefully considered to ensure that the resulting dishes are enjoyable and within the desired heat level for consumers.

If you're worried about the difference in texture, you can turn your crushed red pepper flakes into powder. Simply place a good amount in your coffee or spice grinder and pulse.

Sriracha is a multi-purpose sauce. It can be used in a variety of cuisines, from pasta, seafood and more. But when you’ve run out of this magical hot elixir, go for sambal oelek. Sambal oelek is hands down the best substitute for the thick sriracha sauce packed with heat. It is wildly popular in major grocery stores and it packs a similar punch in the heat department. It is made of much simpler ingredients than sriracha itself. It just has one drawback - you have to add garlic powder to it to get close to the same taste.

Not recommended: Ketchup alone

In part one of this blog series we will give you a small overview; read all about what capsaicin is, where to find it and why it exists.

The role of capsicum oleoresin suppliers is crucial in maintaining the quality and consistency of capsicum extracts. These suppliers source high-quality capsicum peppers and use advanced extraction techniques to produce pure and potent oleoresins. They cater to a wide range of industries, from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, ensuring that the products meet stringent safety and efficacy standards. Reliable suppliers are essential for manufacturers seeking to incorporate capsicum extracts into their products, providing a steady supply of these powerful ingredients.

On the other hand, paprika is much milder and the SHU ranges from 100-1,500 SHU, again depending on the variety of the plant it comes from. As far as the heat factor is concerned, the Indian red chili powder is much hotter than paprika.

Adding paprika to your food can also help your health. Containing capsicum and high in fibre, it can assist with digestion, breaking down foods more easily. Paprika is also high in vitamin C and is said to normalise blood pressure and improve circulation. So it’s definitely worth adding to your dishes in the winter to provide some extra warmth. As well as vitamin C, paprika also contains good levels of vitamin E, which helps the body produce red blood cells. That means it can help heal wounds. If you get a cut, sprinkle some of the powder on it and press gently with a clean cloth for a few seconds. The spice is loaded with antioxidants too, which fight cell damage, so it’s linked to helping prevent heart disease and cancer. It’s also an effective treatment against acne, rejuvenating your skin. The iron found in paprika is also said to encourage hair growth, by improving circulation to the scalp. And it can help maintain hair colour too, due to vitamin B6, which aids in the production of melanin, a pigment that gives your hair colour. But if you’re planning on using it for this reason, always test a small amount on your wrist first, just in case you have a reaction.