In summary, the spiciness of a chili pepper can vary widely, from mild to extremely hot, depending on the specific variety. Understanding the heat level of different chili peppers can help in selecting the right pepper to achieve the desired level of spiciness in a dish.


This is ideal for adding a little heat to things like meat stews, particularly lamb or for livening up potatoes.
homemade vs store-bought
Sometimes you may find yourself missing a key spice in the middle of cooking. Don’t worry—there are several clever substitutions for common red pepper spices that can save your dish without sacrificing flavor. Remember, though, that when substituting spices, it’s good to start with a conservative amount and adjust to taste.

Paprika is made by grinding dried peppers into a fine powder, while bell pepper powder is made by dehydrating and grinding fresh bell peppers. Paprika is often smoked before it is ground, which gives it a distinctive flavor.

