Smoked Paprika 950g

Paprika is a spice that consists of dried and ground chili peppers that originate in central Mexico. The name paprika is Hungarian and its root is in the Greek peperi and in the Latin piper, both of which refer to pepper. Paprika is a versatile spice that can be incorporated into a multitude of dishes. It comes in three main varieties that differ in taste and colour based on the cultivation and processing of the pepper. In addition to its sweetness, sweet Paprika has a touch of smokiness. It can be used as a seasoning for meats, potato salad and eggs. On the other hand, hot paprika offers a spicier kick and is often added to soups and stews like Hungarian goulash. Finally, smoked Paprika is sweet and smoky flavour works best with rice, lentil and bean dishes. You can also add Paprika to simple, everyday meals by sprinkling a dash on hard-boiled eggs, chopped vegetables, dips, cooked rice, roasted potatoes and salads.

Paprika originates from Central Mexico. The peppers used to make Paprika made their way to Hungary after Christopher Columbus brought them to Europe. From Spain, the cultivation of the peppers spread to the south of France and Europe. In Hungary and elsewhere throughout Europe, the pepper plants were first used as decorative houseplants. The Turkish would later introduce Paprika as a spice to the Balkan Peninsula in the 18th century when the Balkans were under Ottoman rule. The climate of the Kalocsa and Szeged region of Hungary proved the ideal climate to grow the peppers - this is what gives Hungarian Paprika its distinctive character. Until the 1920s. the Paprika from Central Europe was hot. It was at this point that the sweet plant was grafted onto other plants to make the Paprika from this part of the would sweet.

Our Smoked Paprika is food grade and selected for the highest quality.