Let's get into some history. Capsaicin was first extracted in 1816 by Christian Fridrich. Further work by John Clough Thresh led to its naming in 1876, but it wasn´t until 1898 that Karl Micko isolated the compound in pure crystalline form. A century later, in 1997, David Julius discovered and cloned the cellular receptor for capsaicin, and brought a new level of understanding on how capsaicin works. We´ll get more into this science in the second part of this blog.

Hongrispice Hot Chili Sauce

In summary, while both paprika powder and chili powder are used to add flavor and depth to dishes, they have different ingredients and flavor profiles. Paprika powder is made from ground dried peppers and is known for its color and varying levels of heat, while chili powder is a spice blend with a distinct earthy and slightly spicy flavor.

Preheat the oven to the lowest setting, around 140°F (60°C). Cut the peppers in half and take out the seeds. Lay the halved peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Remember to leave the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape. Let the peppers dry in the oven for a few hours, checking them often to make sure they’re completely dry and crispy. The drying time depends on the size and thickness of the peppers. With patience and attention, you’ll have perfectly dried peppers.

Food scientists classify cayenne as a medium-hot variety of pepper. According to Colorado State University Extension, this spice clocks in at between 30,000 and 50,000 units on the Scoville scale, a method of measuring the amount of capsaicin in a hot pepper.

Overall, curcumin shows great potential as an alternative substance and may help maintain healthy functions. It's a great spice to add refreshing flavor and color to food, especially chicken and vegetables. Combine berries, lean meats, and healthy fats, and your diet will be full of polyphenols.

Next, add the last ¾ cups of oil to the saucepan to heat through. Too much oil early on in the process makes it more difficult to evenly fry the garlic and chilies, which is why we started with only 1/2 cup.

Ground Spice

In summary, paprika is made from dried and ground Capsicum annuum peppers, resulting in a versatile spice with a range of flavors and heat levels. Whether it's sweet, hot, or smoked, paprika adds depth, color, and flavor to a wide variety of dishes, making it a beloved ingredient in many culinary traditions.

Compared to other substitutes in this list, bell peppers are generally sweet, mild, and tangy which somewhat fits the description of sweet paprika. When using this as a backup, note that your dish will have an intriguing yet bright flavor profile that better suits pasta, chicken, salads, and soup recipes. To add to its impressive list of qualities, it’s also incredibly aromatic that adds overall allure to the dish.

Not only that, but it has a distinct heat and spicy taste that won't disappoint. It also adds a smoky flavor to your dishes that can help enhance the overall flavor and aroma of your final dish, marinade, and sauce.

Paprika oleoresin is a natural food coloring and flavoring agent that is derived from the paprika pepper. It is commonly used in a variety of food products to provide a vibrant red color and a mild peppery taste. Paprika oleoresin is made by extracting the pigments and essential oils from dried paprika peppers, resulting in a concentrated liquid form.

A Flavorful Twist

How is paprika made compared to bell pepper powder?

Not recommended: Ketchup alone

Why We Love It: One of our best-sellers, this hot sauce provides a perfectly balanced flavor profile of spicy cayenne and habanero peppers with brown sugar, assorted spices, and a hearty dose of garlic that goes well with pizza, pasta, and other Italian-inspired dishes. But let’s be honest, what dish doesn’t taste better with a little extra garlic?