Chili powders come in at between 500 and 1,500 Scoville units. That's enough to produce a mild burn, but not enough to make really spicy foods.


In terms of heat level, I consider it moderate or milder than hot paprika because it has a distinct earthy flavor and fruity notes that balance the spicy taste.
Although red peppers originated in North America, they were brought to Europe in the 1500s, starting in Spain and Portugal, before making their way via the spice trade to North Africa, Central Europe, and even Asia. Today, paprika has established itself as a pantry staple from the Mediterranean to North Africa, Africa, and the Middle East.
The Scoville Scale was developed in 1912 by Wilbur Scoville, a pharmacist from the United States. To determine the SHU, an exact weight of hot pepper is dissolved in alcohol to extract the capsaicinoids components. These components are then diluted in a solution of sugar water and decreasing concentrations are given to a panel of trained tasters until a majority can no longer detect them in a diluted form. The heat level is then rated based on this dilution in multiples of 100 SHU. This system was initially purely organoleptic but nowadays is measured using HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) to prevent any deviation from sensory fatigue or the chosen panel´s resistance.
Paprika oleoresin is a natural extract derived from the spice paprika, which is made from ground, dried Capsicum annuum peppers. The oleoresin is obtained through a solvent extraction process that captures the essential oils, pigments, and flavors of paprika. It is a concentrated form of the spice, often used as a coloring and flavoring agent in the food industry.
Paprika spice is categorized based on its heat level, color intensity, and processing method. Hungarian paprika is renowned for its quality and variety, ranging from delicate to hot, with a spectrum of flavors in between. Spanish paprika, or pimentón, offers smoked varieties that elevate dishes with its distinctive smoky aroma and flavor. Paprika spice blends, such as sweet and spicy combinations, provide versatility for diverse culinary creations.