Paprika Chili Peppers
Scoville Heat Units: 250 – 1000 SHU
A large, cone-shaped chili pepper. It is typically dried and ground to make the more familiar powdered spice. It is originally from Hungary. The paprika is a fairly large red pepper and quite long, growing up to 8 inches, and lends a unique spiciness to paprika powder.
Most cooks consider paprika when preparing dishes like deviled eggs or potato salad, using it more for color than flavor. This is such a shame, as they do offer a unique flavor.
In Hungary there are six classes or types of paprika ranging from delicate to hot. The peppers also range in size and shape depending on where they are grown . Some are grown in Spain, Hungary, California and other parts of the U.S. The most commonly produced paprika is made from the sweet red pepper also called the tomato pepper.
History of Paprika Chili Peppers
The first paprika plants arrived in Hungary in the 17th century. It is told that ethnic groups fleeing north from the Turks introduced the paprika to the Balkans. Paprika became commonly used in Hungary by the end of the 18th century. Two towns in Hungary (Szeged and Kalosca) competed against each other for the title of Paprika capital of Hungary.
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