Today we pay homage to paprika, one of the world’s most iconic spices. Keep reading to learn more about this distinguished member of your spice cabinet.
Where Does Paprika Come From?
While the cuisines of Mexico and India are famous for their spiciness, Paprika comes from an altogether different continent.
This bright red powder hails from Hungary. It’s no wonder, then, that paprika is an essential ingredient of typical Hungarian dishes such as goulash and pörkölt.
While the name “paprika” may appear undeniably foreign, all you have to do is to scratch the surface to reveal a familiar face. “Paprika” is the diminutive form of Serbo-Croatan “papar,” which means pepper.
What Is Paprika Made Of?
Paprika is made from the ground pods of capsicum annuum, a variety of red peppers that also include chili peppers.
While capsicum annuum is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America, paprika was created when these peppers were introduced into Eastern Europe by the Turks.
There are three different types of paprika:
- Sweet paprika
- Spicy paprika
- Smoked paprika
What Are the Health Benefits of Paprika?
Not only does paprika pack a nice, spicy punch, but it also provides some essential nutrients.
For example, in general, paprika is richer in vitamin C than the citrus fruits. Furthermore, just 6.8 grams of paprika (a tablespoon) provides 19% of the Daily Value of vitamin A.
As if that weren’t enough, paprika is also rich in carotenoids, natural pigments that act as antioxidants that help prevent a wide number of illnesses.
More Delicious Food Facts
At Chef Gourmet, we know good food, and we love sharing that knowledge with you. If we have whetted your appetite for interesting food facts, here are some previous posts you may find interesting:
- Can you freeze couscous?
- What is the best way to cook your vegetables?
- Are onions good for you?
- How to cook Brussels sprouts?
Try Our Pan-Seared Paprika Chicken!
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