Ryan Wilks
People are only just finding out what paprika is made from.
The spice is used in dishes such as paella and chicken fajitas, so you’d presume most people would have a rough idea of what it is.
But if recent internet revelations are anything to go by, you’d be wrong.
Nutra Organics has caused one hell of a stir amongst its Instagram followers after delving into the truth behind the production process of paprika.
People have been left baffled after learning the process behind the popular spice.
On X, formerly Twitter, one person writes: “I didn’t think there was a paprika tree, but I for sure thought it was some kind of spice blend or like its own thing that they just powdered.”
Another X user comments: “I made it to almost 50 years old before learning this.”
“I dunno why I thought there was a Paprika tree somewhere,” comments a third.
Somebody else says: “My friend said she couldn’t believe that many people don’t know what paprika is made of. I was too embarrassed to say that I didn’t know either.”
The spice is a key ingredient in many global cuisines, particularly Hungarian, Spanish, and Turkish dishes.
It can range from sweet and mild to hot and smoky, depending on the type of production process.
The confusion surrounding paprika’s origin likely stems from its marketing and labeling.
Unlike spices such as cumin or coriander, which are named after the seeds from which they are derived, paprika’s name does not directly reference its source.
Another factor contributing to the confusion is the visual transformation during the paprika production process.
In its dried and ground form, it’s not immediately recognizable.
This visual disconnect can make it harder for consumers to draw a direct line from the fresh ingredient to the spice jar.
So, what is paprika made from?
The Nutra Organics post explains that paprika is made from ‘bell’ or ‘sweet’ peppers.
The Instagram page says: “Learning that paprika is just dried and crushed red capsicum was really shocking.
“I don’t know why I thought there was a paprika tree somewhere.”
The popular seasoning is made by drying capsicum and grinding it into a fine dust.
First, the pepper must dry out, before being ground using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
Over time, European cultivators have selectively bred milder plant variations, resulting in a significantly sweeter flavor profile.
For individuals interested in creating their own smoked paprika, a sought-after ingredient in meat rubs and ranch dressings, the initial step involves smoking the peppers over an oak fire before proceeding with the drying process.
In short, paprika doesn’t have its own tree, as the tree is already used for perfectly ordinary peppers.
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