Sriracha and sweet chili sauce are two different things. Where sriracha packs an element of heat, sweet chili sauce is dominated with a sweet garlic taste. Apart from being a lot less chili, the flavor profile is almost the same, but keep in mind that sriracha sauce is different from tabasco or any other hot sauce. It is much thicker with a strong hint of garlic and sugar, particularly the Huy Fong variety that is most popular.

Oleoresin capsicum is a concentrated extract that combines the resin and essential oils of capsicum peppers. This potent substance is known for its intense heat and is commonly used in both culinary and industrial applications. In the food industry, oleoresin capsicum is used as a flavoring agent in sauces, seasonings, and spicy snacks, providing a consistent and controlled heat level. Industrially, it is a key ingredient in self-defense pepper sprays due to its ability to cause temporary blindness and severe irritation when sprayed, providing an effective means of protection.

Paprika is known for its smoky and sweet taste, and is commonly used in Hungarian and Spanish cuisine as a seasoning for stews, soups, and meat dishes. On the other hand, bell peppers have a mild and slightly sweet taste, and are often used in salads, stir-fries, and as a topping for pizzas and sandwiches.

According to recommendations from the Institute of Medicine, a mere tablespoon of paprika contains more than 100% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A for men and women.

Gochugaru Powder

Types of paprika:

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Don’t stop there! Feel free to get creative and use your homemade paprika seasoning in soups, stews or roasted meats.

Paprika is used in a variety of different cuisines but it’s adored by Hungarians. You won’t find a goulash without it. In Spain and Mexico it’s used to flavour chorizo and paella. And in Portugal and Turkey for stews and soups.

8. CHILI POWDER

Adding paprika to your food can also help your health. Containing capsicum and high in fibre, it can assist with digestion, breaking down foods more easily. Paprika is also high in vitamin C and is said to normalise blood pressure and improve circulation. So it’s definitely worth adding to your dishes in the winter to provide some extra warmth. As well as vitamin C, paprika also contains good levels of vitamin E, which helps the body produce red blood cells. That means it can help heal wounds. If you get a cut, sprinkle some of the powder on it and press gently with a clean cloth for a few seconds. The spice is loaded with antioxidants too, which fight cell damage, so it’s linked to helping prevent heart disease and cancer. It’s also an effective treatment against acne, rejuvenating your skin. The iron found in paprika is also said to encourage hair growth, by improving circulation to the scalp. And it can help maintain hair colour too, due to vitamin B6, which aids in the production of melanin, a pigment that gives your hair colour. But if you’re planning on using it for this reason, always test a small amount on your wrist first, just in case you have a reaction.