Paprika powder

Paprika is a spice made from the grinding of dried sweet red bell peppers (Capsicum annuum). In many European countries, the name paprika also refers to bell peppers themselves. The seasoning is used in many cuisines to add colour and flavour to dishes.

Paprika is used as an ingredient in a broad variety of dishes throughout the world. Paprika (pimentón in Spain, colorau in Portugal, chiltoma in Nicaragua, but these "paprikas" are not made exclusively from bell peppers, other varieties are used, and there are several hot and sweet "paprikas") is principally used to season and colour rices, stews, and soups, such as goulash. In Spain, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Portugal, paprika is also used in the preparation of sausages as an ingredient that is mixed with meats and other spices. Paprika may be smoked for additional flavour.

In India, a similar powdered spice comes from a fruit locally called 'deghi mirchi', which is grown widely and takes on a slightly different flavour, depending on local soil and climatic conditions. The hottest paprikas are not the bright red ones, but rather the palest red and light brown coloured ones.

If paprika is overheated it will become very bitter.

You will probably have to buy ready ground paprika. Keep it out of the light otherwise it loses it's brilliant colour.

My supplier of choice

I now buy my spices and herbs from Taste Sensation Ltd. Nick Lumby is a lovely friendly supplier with a passion for everything he does, and he's been doing it a long time now!

The sweet paprika powder is available in all sizes from 250g to 10kg. If find it keeps really well in Kilner-type jars.

Taste Sensation products available from Amazon UK

A large number of Taste Sensation's products can be bought directly from Amazon UK in 250g, 500g, 1kg and 1,8kg vacuum sealed packs.

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