Like all other dried spices, paprika is best stored in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight. It has a long shelf life – ground paprika should last two to three years, although it may lose its aroma and become chalky, so ideally you should use it within six months. You can also keep paprika in the fridge for up to two months.

Why is paprika named differently from bell pepper?

what is paprika made of?

There are three different types of paprika; this spice is either sweet, or hot, or smoked. Understanding these three characteristics often help determine where a particular kind of paprika is from. “Regular” paprika tends to be sweeter, not really hot, and can be from California, Hungary, or South America. There are 8 different kinds of Hungarian paprika, and they can be sweet, hot, or pungent, and range in color from vibrant red to light brown. Spanish paprika is usually smoked, and can be mild or hot.  

Red pepper flakes, also known as crushed red pepper, are made from dried and crushed whole red chili peppers—including the seeds, which contribute to its heat. This spice is renowned for its ability to deliver a consistent, fiery flavor with a slightly fruity undertone, making it a favorite for sprinkling over pizza, pasta dishes, and stir-fries. Red pepper flakes are versatile and can be used in cooking or as a garnish to add a bit of spice to any dish.

Now, what if you have regular paprika but don’t have the smoked variant? Can you still use it? The answer is yes! But only if you combine it with cumin and cayenne. On its own, regular or plain paprika doesn’t have the flavor that its smoked version is known for. Mixing it with cumin will bring a rich and earthy flavor, while cayenne adds heat and smokiness. With all three, you can create something close to smoked paprika.

Q: Can paprika lose its color and flavor over time? A: Yes, paprika can lose its vibrant color and flavor when exposed to light, heat, and air. Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its quality.

Paprika vs Cayenne: Differences in the Kitchen

8. CHILI POWDER

Chili peppers, also known as chile peppers, are the fruits of plants from the genus Capsicum. These peppers are widely used in cooking to add heat, flavor, and color to a variety of dishes. There are many different varieties of chili peppers, each with its own unique characteristics in terms of heat level, flavor, and appearance.

In contrast, bell pepper is a vegetable that comes in a variety of colors such as green, red, yellow, and orange. It has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, and a crunchy texture. Bell peppers are commonly used in salads, stir-fries, and as a stuffing for dishes such as peppers stuffed with rice or meat. While they may look similar to paprika, they are not interchangeable in recipes due to their different taste and texture.

Sweet paprika is the most common and available type, at least in North American supermarket spice aisles. If a recipe, or a spice bottle, simply says paprika without specifying which kind, it refers to the sweet kind. Sweet paprika has a very mild, sweet flavor and imparts a reddish hue to whatever it's sprinkled on or mixed into.