Imagine telling a buddy that the bright red spice they’ve been using for years began as a pepper—the same sort you slice up for stir-fries or stuff with cheese. Many people consider spices to be a different category from fresh produce. When her buddy realized she’d been working with dried peppers inadvertently, the absurdity of the circumstance struck both women as humorous.
My mother-in-law commented, “She looked at me like I was yanking her leg! Then we spent the rest of the afternoon discussing additional topics that people may not be familiar with, such as where cinnamon comes from or how vanilla pods operate.”
Fun Facts About Paprika That Might Leave You Laughing
- It’s not just red dust: Some high-quality paprikas retain visible specks of pepper peel after crushing.
- Smoking Secrets: Smoked paprika obtains its distinctive aroma from carefully drying peppers over wood fires before crushing them.
- Health Benefits Galore: Paprika, which is high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and capsaicin, does more than just provide flavor; it also promotes health.
