Conclusion
After drying, the paprika undergoes a critical step - the extraction. There are two primary methods used solvent extraction and supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction. Solvent extraction uses a food-grade solvent like hexane to dissolve the pigments and essential oils, while CO2 extraction utilizes pressurized CO2 to separate the oleoresin without the need for additional chemicals Solvent extraction uses a food-grade solvent like hexane to dissolve the pigments and essential oils, while CO2 extraction utilizes pressurized CO2 to separate the oleoresin without the need for additional chemicals

In addition to sourcing high-quality paprika peppers, it is important to work with suppliers who use safe and effective solvents for extracting the pigments and essential oils from the peppers. Ethanol and acetone are commonly used solvents in the extraction process, and suppliers should ensure that the solvents are properly distilled and purified to meet food safety standards.
Red pepper flakes are hotter than paprika, so we recommend substituting ⅓ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for every 1 teaspoon of paprika. Add more to taste if you want more heat.
Aleppo chili powder has a milder heat level than hot paprika. I will describe it as a middle ground between cayenne pepper powder and spicy paprika. Thus, it's a good substitute for paprika if you want to tone down the spiciness and heat of your recipe.