From the name itself, you can already guess that hot paprika is a spicy variety of paprika. But more than that, what does this type of paprika have to offer? Let's find out together.

Flavor Profiles

In addition to its culinary applications, paprika oleoresin is also used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries for its colorant properties. It provides a natural alternative to synthetic food colorants and is valued for its stability and resistance to fading.

Types of Paprika

BELL PEPPERS

No matter what kind of paprika you choose, make sure you cook it with some kind of liquid. All paprika contains a relatively high amount of natural sugar, so exposure to direct heat on the bottom of the pan can burn it very easily. Because of their very different flavor profiles, we do not recommend substituting smoked paprika for regular paprika, or vice-versa.

Paprika is made from bell or chili peppers that have been finely ground two or more times without the veins and seeds, according to Katherine K. Schlosser, author of The Herb Society of America's Essential Guide to Growing and Cooking with Herbs. Because of that, you can swap sweet paprika for another pepper-based spice, such as cayenne or chili powder. Like using other types of paprika, these spices will lend your recipe a different flavor than you would get from the sweet paprika.

Green Bell Peppers

Guajillo Chili Powder

Paprika is divided into three categories—sweet, hot, and smoked—and each one is made from different types of peppers.

Now, let’s say you don’t have any of these ingredients, your last resort would be to use black and white pepper to replicate the peppery and smoky kick that paprika offer. Chili flakes will also do in some recipes that use paprika as a garnish such as deviled eggs and potato salad.

Cayenne Powder: A Heat Booster

Yes, there are two main types of paprika: sweet paprika and hot paprika. Both types are made from dried and ground Capsicum annuum peppers, but they differ in flavor and heat level.

Now, if you're on the hunt for bell pepper powder, make sure you choose a product made from yellow or orange bell peppers. Yes, red bell peppers resemble paprika in terms of color, but they're the sweetest variety because they're the ripest.

Orange bell peppers are a cross between red and yellow bell peppers. They have a sweet, mild flavor and a bright orange color. Orange bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.

In order to produce high-quality paprika oleoresin, it is important to source the best ingredients from reliable suppliers. The key ingredients needed for making paprika oleoresin include dried paprika peppers, solvents for extraction, and stabilizers to help maintain the color and flavor of the final product.

Since it’s hotter than paprika, we recommend incorporating it in small amounts and adjusting other ingredients such as broth, cream, and even adding other seasonings to calm the heat. But while cayenne adds a spicy kick, we’re afraid it won’t add much in terms of flavor. Aside from adjusting other ingredients, you may also combine it with a bit of sugar or honey to add depth and bring a little sweetness that this backup lacks.