Sometimes life gives us little situations that remind us how fascinating—and amusing—culinary knowledge can be. My mother-in-law recently told a hilarious anecdote about an acquaintance who had no idea what paprika was comprised of. The revelation had her in stitches, and now it’s our chance to solve the riddle around this cherished spice.
What Exactly is Paprika?
Paprika is much more than just a bright red powder that may be sprinkled on deviled eggs or baked potatoes. Here is the scoop:
- Origin: Paprika is made from dried bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) and chili peppers. The peppers are picked, dried, and processed to a fine powder.
- Depending on the locale and preparation method, paprika can range from mild and sweet to smokey and spicy. Hungarian and Spanish paprika are two of the most popular varieties.
- It enhances the color and flavor of foods such as goulash, paella, and casseroles. It also adds a great finish to soups, salads, and roasted meats.
- For those unaware with its roots, learning that paprika is made from peppers may come as a surprise!
