I was making a quiche the other day and I always like to add a little extra color by sprinkling some paprika over the top. This lead to me thinking about paprika and the fact that it is such a unique spice with so many varieties and uses. So what is paprika?
Paprika is a spice that comes from the dried fruits (bell or chili peppers) of the Capisum annuum. The peppers are dried and ground into a fine powder which then becomes known as paprika. Paprika is the fourth most consumed spice in the world.
Not all paprika is the same color
Paprika is rated by the amount of pigment it contains. It has different grades which are referred to as ASTA (American Spice Trade Association) standardized testing procedures. The more pigment the paprika contains the higher the ASTA number. So on the lower end our 85-ASTA paprika would have a light orange or brownish color and on the higher end our 140-ASTA paprika will have a much brighter red color.
Not all paprika is the same flavor
Paprika types also vary including such varieties as Domestic, Spanish and Hungarian. In addition, depending on the peppers and process used in the making of the paprika they will be rated as hot, mild or smoked.
Domestic paprika has a warm, sweet flavor. It works well as garnish or to add a mild flavor and color to your dishes. It also can act as a substitute for flour or other ingredients as a thickening agent in sauces and other recipes.
Spanish paprika has a lighter color than domestic paprika. It is a great ingredient for Mediterranean recipes and its flavor is essential for authentic Spanish cooking. Depending on the dish you can use hot, sweet or smoked Spanish paprika.
Paprika Tips
I enjoy cooking vegetarian meals and can tell you that smoked, sweet Spanish paprika is a good replacement for ham or sausage in vegetarian soups because it adds the husky flavor that these meats would provide.
Paprika needs heat in order to release its flavor. For the fullest flavor, color, and aroma, dissolve the powder in warm/hot fat. Once dissolved, the fat should be cooled by adding meat or liquid to keep the paprika from scorching because it burns quickly.
MySpicer stocks 5 types of paprika
Domestic Paprika (85 ASTA)
Domestic Paprika (120 ASTA)
Domestic Paprika (140 ASTA)
Spanish Paprika (Hot, Smoked)
Spanish Paprika (Sweet, Smoked)
Give our paprika a try! Use the coupon code PAPRIKA10 to take 10% off your next order of MySpicer paprika.
