In summary, paprika is made from dried and ground Capsicum annuum peppers, resulting in a versatile spice with a range of flavors and heat levels. Whether it's sweet, hot, or smoked, paprika adds depth, color, and flavor to a wide variety of dishes, making it a beloved ingredient in many culinary traditions.
Not all paprika tastes the same, but that doesn't mean that you can't use one that's different than what's called for in your recipe. For example, you can used spicy paprika in place of sweet, but the final product will have much more of a kick. Smoked paprika will impart a different flavor, too.
As with paprika powder, ground cayenne pepper powder is made from ground dried peppers. These rich red peppers give the spice its vibrant color.
