Links
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.
Of course you can buy some from the grocery store on your next outing, but this Homemade Chili Sauce is so much better.
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.
Overall, the two main types of paprika, sweet and hot, offer different flavor profiles and heat levels, allowing cooks to choose the right type of paprika to enhance the taste of their dishes. Whether adding a touch of sweetness or a fiery punch, paprika is a versatile spice that can elevate a wide range of recipes.
Bell peppers, on the other hand, are native to South America, where they have been cultivated for thousands of years. They come in a variety of colors, including green, red, yellow, and orange, and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Crushed Red Pepper:
Spicy ketchup will obviously be sweeter and very mild in comparison to Sriracha, so as an ingredient, it’s good for big proportions (like for meatloaf). We wouldn’t use it for more authentic chili sauce needs (go with Sriracha there), but based on your recipe context, it can work.
Bell peppers are not called paprika; rather, they are the primary ingredient used to make paprika. The confusion may arise from the fact that both bell peppers and paprika are derived from the same species of plant, Capsicum annuum. However, the process of turning bell peppers into paprika involves drying and grinding the peppers into a fine powder, resulting in the popular spice known as paprika.