Paprika

Instructions

1. 1

   Used as a seasoning and garnish for a plethora of savory dishes, paprika is a powder made by grinding aromatic sweet red pepper pods.

2. 2

   The pods are quite tough, so several grindings are necessary to produce the proper texture.

3. 3

   The flavor of paprika can range from mild to pungent and hot, the color from bright orange-red to deep blood-red.

4. 4

   Most commercial paprika comes from Spain, South America, California and Hungary, with the Hungarian variety considered by many to be superior.

5. 5

   Indeed, Hungarian cuisine has long used paprika as a mainstay flavoring rather than simply as a garnish.

6. 6

   All supermarkets carry mild paprikas, while ethnic markets must be searched out for the more pungent varieties.

7. 7

   As with all herbs and spices, paprika should be stored in a cool, dark place for no more than 6 months.