Sometimes life sends us little things that remind us how interesting and hilarious cooking can be. Recently, my mother-in-law told me an amusing anecdote about an acquaintance who didn’t know what paprika was made of. She laughed so hard at the news that she couldn’t stop. Now it’s time for us to solve the secret of this popular spice.
What is paprika, really?
Paprika is more than just a bright red powder that you may sprinkle on baked potatoes or eggs. Here’s what’s going on:
Paprika is made from dried chili peppers and bell peppers (Capsicum annuum). They pick the peppers, dry them, and then grind them into a fine powder.
Paprika can be sweet and light or smokey and spicy, depending on where it comes from and how it is produced. Hungarian and Spanish paprika are two of the most popular kinds.
It makes casseroles, goulash, and paella taste and look better. It also improves the flavor of soups, salads, and roasted meats.
People might be startled to find out that paprika comes from peppers.
What made my mother-in-law laugh so hard?
Imagine telling a buddy that the bright red spice they’ve been using for years was formerly a pepper, like the kind you cut up for stir-fries or stuff with cheese. A lot of people believe that spices are different from fresh fruits and vegetables. Both women thought it was funny when her friend discovered out she had been using dry peppers by mistake.
My mother-in-law said, “She looked at me like I was lying!” We talked about additional things that people might not know about for the remainder of the afternoon, such where cinnamon comes from and how vanilla pods function.
Funny Things About Paprika
Not just red dust: Some high-quality paprikas still retain particles of pepper peel in them after they have been crushed.
Things You Need to Know About Smoking: The smell of smoked paprika is different since the peppers are dried over wood flames and then crushed.
A lot of health benefits: Paprika is excellent for you since it has a lot of antioxidants, vitamin C, and capsaicin. Plus, it tastes wonderful.