Paprika, made from ground sweet or hot peppers, is known for its vibrant red color and versatile flavor profile. It ranges from mild and sweet to hot and smoky, making it suitable for a wide variety of dishes. In Hungarian cuisine, paprika is essential in dishes like goulash and chicken paprikash, where it provides both color and flavor. In Spanish cuisine, it is a key ingredient in chorizo and paella. Paprika's mild version can also be used as a garnish, adding a dash of color and a hint of flavor to deviled eggs, potato salads, and soups.
Let's get into some history. Capsaicin was first extracted in 1816 by Christian Fridrich. Further work by John Clough Thresh led to its naming in 1876, but it wasn´t until 1898 that Karl Micko isolated the compound in pure crystalline form. A century later, in 1997, David Julius discovered and cloned the cellular receptor for capsaicin, and brought a new level of understanding on how capsaicin works. We´ll get more into this science in the second part of this blog.



Red chili powder is a staple in Indian kitchens. The spice and heat factor of the powder used depends on the region and the food it is used in. It is an essential spice and used in numerous savory dishes. You will find red chili powder in
Chili peppers are used in a wide variety of cuisines around the world, including Mexican, Thai, Indian, and many others. They can be used fresh, dried, or ground into powders to add heat and flavor to dishes such as salsas, curries, hot sauces, and marinades.

