Paprika spice is categorized based on its heat level, color intensity, and processing method. Hungarian paprika is renowned for its quality and variety, ranging from delicate to hot, with a spectrum of flavors in between. Spanish paprika, or pimentón, offers smoked varieties that elevate dishes with its distinctive smoky aroma and flavor. Paprika spice blends, such as sweet and spicy combinations, provide versatility for diverse culinary creations.
Paprika powder is made from dried and ground Capsicum annuum peppers, such as bell peppers or chili peppers. It is known for its vibrant red color and can be sweet, hot, or smoked, depending on the variety of peppers used. Paprika is often used to add color and a subtle, sweet or smoky flavor to dishes.
Hot chili sauce, also known as sriracha, is a popular condiment enjoyed by many around the world. Made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt, this spicy sauce adds a kick to any dish it is paired with.
The heat of peppers is measured using the Scoville Heat Scale, which ranks the heat of a given pepper in units known as Scoville Heat Units (SHU). Bell peppers of all colors register zero SHU, meaning they're not hot at all. Jalapeños are medium, measuring 2,500 to 8,000 SHU, while extremely hot chiles like habaneros or Scotch bonnets come in at 100,000 to 350,000 SHU.