What Paprika Is Really Made Of — And Why It’s Important

Paprika is one of those kitchen staples most people use without much thought. Its deep red color and gentle warmth appear in countless recipes, from simple garnishes to slow-cooked dishes, and it often feels like a spice that has always existed just as it is. Recently, however, many home cooks have been surprised to learn a very simple truth about paprika’s origin. Despite long-held assumptions, it doesn’t come from a rare plant or a complex blend of ingredients. Paprika is made from dried red peppers that are ground into a fine powder. That realization has encouraged many people to look more closely at where familiar foods actually come from.

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