Most households have a dedicated spice corner, typically stocked with staples like salt, pepper, chilli flakes, herbs, and possibly chicken seasoning.
Paprika is a clear favourite for adding flavour, and it also boasts numerous health benefits, including carotenoids which may reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, vitamin C to boost the immune system, and properties that support good vision.
But have you ever wondered where paprika originates? An Instagram post revealed a surprising truth: paprika is made from crushed red bell peppers. Paul Avellino, with 300,000 followers, shared a photo stating: “Learning that paprika is just dried and crushed red bell peppers was really shocking. Like I don’t know why I thought there was a paprika tree somewhere.”
In the accompanying caption, Paul explained: “Ever wonder how paprika ends up in your spice rack? Paprika starts with peppers – most often a mix of sweet and hot peppers. Once harvested, the peppers are dried, either naturally in the sun or with heat, and then ground into that vibrant red powder we all know. The secret to its flavour lies in the process.
“Smoking the peppers before drying gives us smoky paprika, while hot paprika gets its kick from spicier pepper varieties. And that mild, sweet paprika? It’s made from peppers with low capsaicin content.
“From garnishing devilled eggs to adding depth to stews, paprika doesn’t just season – it tells the story of the peppers it came from. So next time you sprinkle some over your dish, remember: you’re adding a little bit of sun, earth, and tradition to your meal.”
Paprika’s common variety is the tomato pepper, but it can be fashioned from other types of capsicum annuum peppers, such as sweet bell peppers, chilli peppers, or cayenne peppers. Depending on which pepper is used, the condiment can boast varying levels of heat.
Originating from Central Mexico, the capsicum annuum plant was taken to Spain in the 16th century. Since sharing this revelation on Instagram, many people have expressed their astonishment.
One Instagram user stated: “Did you know that red pepper jelly is made from red peppers? Learn something new every day,” while another disclosed: “I didn’t know that either.”
A third simply exclaimed: “Wait what?” There was even an admission from someone who confessed: “That’s odd as I cant stand red peppers.”