In summary, paprika and bell pepper have different origins and varieties. Paprika originated in Mexico and was brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus. Hungary and Spain are known for producing some of the best paprika in the world, with a range of varieties that vary in flavor, heat, and color. Bell peppers are native to South America and come in a variety of colors. There are several types of paprika, including sweet, hot, and smoked, each with its own unique flavor profile.

The process of making paprika from bell peppers involves carefully selecting ripe, red peppers, then drying them to remove the moisture content. Once dried, the peppers are ground into a fine powder, resulting in the characteristic bright red spice known as paprika.

Regular paprika is not necessarily the product of one specific chile but rather, can be a combination of several different peppers that meet the correct heat and color requirements. It usually comes from New Mexico, California, Hungary, or South America.  

Made from dried cayenne peppers, this powder is one of the best paprika substitutes because they have the same color.

So, only use bell pepper powder if the color won't affect the overall quality of your dish.

China is famous for its culinary delights, and one of the key ingredients found in many traditional Chinese dishes is dried red pepper pods. These spicy and flavorful pods are used to add heat and depth to a wide variety of dishes, making them a staple in Chinese cuisine.