Paprika Uses and Taste | Discover | Schwartz (2024)

Did you know

With a ruby red hue and delightfully spicy aroma, paprika is one of the world's favourite spices, and comes in many varieties including sweet, spicy and smoked. It's especially popular in Europe, where each country has its own traditional take. In Austria and Hungary, it's used liberally in steaming pots of warming goulash, while no Spanish paella is complete without a sprinkle of smoked paprika. The spicy flavour is put to good use in Portugal too, where it's added to traditional fish stews.

Although part of the same Capsicum family as chilli, paprika is made from sweet peppers, so it's a lot less intense than fiery cayenne and chilli. This brilliantly bright red spice is great as a garnish, dusted sparingly over everything from devilled eggs to potato wedges.
We only crush whole red pepper pods for our paprika to pack in all the flavour.

Flavour profile

A powdered spice that comes from red peppers, paprika has a subtle earthiness, with a sweet and peppery taste. Smoked paprika has all the appeal of the original, but with the added bonus of a distinct chargrilled flavour, which stems from being dried over an oak wood fire. This rich tone gives it a real edge, providing a unique pep-up to marinades, stews and casseroles. Carefully cultivated and packaged for freshness, we pull out all the stops to ensure this spice will enliven your cooking.

Best in…

Paprika works particularly well in meaty dishes – stir into pork and chicken dishes to add depth, flavour and colour. If you want to know the secret to an authentic Spanish paella, combine paprika with saffron. It adds a delightful burst of colour to food too, so try a pinch scattered over egg mayonnaise, white sauce or creamy soups. For a delicious roasted dish, brush paprika over baby potatoes, peppers and onions for an exciting addition to Sunday dinner. You can also liven up any salad by mixing paprika, lemon juice and olive oil before drizzling the blend liberally across the leaves.

History

Although widely used in Europe today, red paprika is believed to originate from Central America, where the peppers were used both for food and as decorations. It wasn't introduced to Europe until Christopher Columbus brought it back to Spain in the 15th century though, and was initially just considered an ornamental plant. By the mid-1900s, the peppers started to be used in cooking, and it was Hungary that set the trend for the rest of the world, adopting paprika as one of their most-used spices.

Did you know?

- Whilst found in a variety of forms, paprika is most commonly available as a powder
- Hungary is one of the world's largest suppliers of paprika
- Paprika is used as a natural colourantPaprika Uses and Taste | Discover | Schwartz (1)

Nutrition

Energy per 100g: 249 KCal
Protein per 100g: 15 g
Carbohydrates per 100g: 18 g
Fat per 100g: 13 g
Sugars per 100g: 10 g
Saturates per 100g: 2 g
Fibre per 100g: 37 g
Sodium per 100g: 0.03 g

Paprika Uses and Taste | Discover | Schwartz (2024)

FAQs

Paprika Uses and Taste | Discover | Schwartz? ›

Although part of the same Capsicum family as chilli, paprika is made from sweet peppers, so it's a lot less intense than fiery cayenne and chilli. This brilliantly bright red spice is great as a garnish, dusted sparingly over everything from devilled eggs to potato wedges.

What does paprika taste good on? ›

If you're wondering how to use paprika, try it in any pork, chicken or beef stew. Paprika is a mellow ingredient, bringing beautiful color and a hint of sweetness. You'll find it in everything from barbecue sauce, prepared rubs and marinades to Italian sausage, potato casseroles, cream sauces and egg dishes.

What is paprika used for? ›

You can find paprika in hot, sweet, and smoked varieties. It adds piquancy and a vibrant color to dishes. Paprika is often used in barbecue sauces and meat marinades. It is a common ingredient in traditional recipes like goulash, chicken paprikash, and paella.

In what cuisine is paprika most often used? ›

This spice-cabinet staple is often overlooked in the U.S. but is prized in Hungarian and Spanish cuisines. Just saying the word "paprika" inspires joy, and the crimson hue seconds that emotion. This spice-cabinet staple is often overlooked in the U.S. but is prized in Hungarian and Spanish cuisines.

What was paprika originally used for? ›

The higher the ASTA number, the brighter the color. Red paprika originated in Southern Mexico, Central America, and the Antilles Islands. It was used for both seasoning of food as well as medicine for healing.

What pairs well with paprika? ›

Common spices and herbs to pair with paprika are garlic, onion, saffron, ginger, allspice, turmeric, caraway, cumin, black pepper, oregano, marjoram, parsley, rosemary, and basil.

Does paprika go with anything? ›

It will add great flavor and color to any tomato-based sauce or dish. Perhaps the most well-known dish that features paprika is Paprikash or Hungarian Goulash. But it can also add a bold sweetness to Mediterranean-inspired dishes like Smoky Gazpacho or Mexican dishes like Tortilla Soup.

Does paprika go bad? ›

Ground spices (like chili powder and paprika) typically last anywhere from six months to two years, while whole herb leaves (like parsley, oregano, and dill) will last you one to three years. If you have jars of whole spices (like allspice or peppercorns), they'll have a little longer of a lifespan.

Is paprika anti-inflammatory? ›

Paprika is a colorful spice that has vitamin A, capsaicin, and carotenoid antioxidants. These may help prevent inflammation and improve your cholesterol, eye health, and blood sugar levels, among other health benefits.

What are other uses for paprika besides cooking? ›

Also, paprika has been thought to help increase circulation to the skin, which provides you with healthier, glowing skin. Plus, this herb has been known to help fight bacteria, which means this herb is useful for reducing acne and blackheads. Next, you can use this herb to help with hair care recipes.

What are menus in paprika for? ›

Paprika's pantry section. Useful for keeping track of purchased groceries and figuring out what you have on-hand. The menus section of the app. It is used to create reusable groups of recipes, such as a multi-day holiday menu.

What are the three types of paprika? ›

There are three different types of paprika; this spice is either sweet, or hot, or smoked. Understanding these three characteristics often help determine where a particular kind of paprika is from. “Regular” paprika tends to be sweeter, not really hot, and can be from California, Hungary, or South America.

What dishes use paprika? ›

Paprika
  • recipes. Grilled Porterhouse Steak. A perfectly grilled steak. ...
  • Quick. recipes. Sauerkraut and Potato Skillet. ...
  • Easy. recipes. Ragù Paprikash. ...
  • Easy. recipes. Tomato-Roasted Onions With So Much Paprika. ...
  • Easy. recipes. Burnt Toast Soup With an Egg on It. ...
  • Quick. recipes. ...
  • Vegan. recipes. ...
  • recipes. Barbara's Picnic Fried Chicken.

What flavor does paprika add? ›

Flavour profile

A powdered spice that comes from red peppers, paprika has a subtle earthiness, with a sweet and peppery taste. Smoked paprika has all the appeal of the original, but with the added bonus of a distinct chargrilled flavour, which stems from being dried over an oak wood fire.

Is paprika a sweet or spicy food? ›

Sweet paprika may not be sweet or spicy, and is the typical type used when the recipe simply calls for “paprika.” It's made from bright, sweet red peppers without any heat. Use it to add color or a mild peppery flavor to a dish. Hot paprika is made with spicy varieties of peppers that packs the heat.

Is paprika usually smoked or sweet? ›

When you see a product simply labeled “Paprika,” it's usually sweet paprika. Sweet paprika isn't necessarily sweet sweet, it's more a floral, peppery taste. While it's definitely not spicy hot, it does add a little zingy flourish that's delicate and mild.

Does paprika need to be cooked? ›

Most recipes call for simply adding the spice directly to a recipe, but for paprika to fully release its flavor, scent, and color, it should be quickly cooked in a little oil first. (Many Hungarian cooks swear by this step.)

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