Paprika

What is paprika?

Paprika powder is a flavourful spice made from dried and ground red peppers. It's a versatile seasoning beloved worldwide, perfect for adding vibrant colour and rich flavour to your dishes.

In Hungary, paprika is not just a spice; it is a cornerstone of our national cuisine, essential for preparing authentic versions of traditional dishes.

Is paprika spicy?

Paprika can vary in heat, ranging from sweet and mild to hot and fiery, depending on the type of pepper used. We offer various grades of Hungarian paprika, so you can choose the one that suits your recipes and cooking preferences.

How to use paprika powder?

Paprika is a versatile pantry essential that infuses dishes with a rich ruby colour and intense flavour.

Sweet paprika is the primary seasoning for authentic goulash and is crucial in classic dishes like chicken paprikash and stews. You can also buy certified organic paprika.

Smoked paprika is made from peppers smoked over fragrant beechwood, imparting a mouthwatering aroma. It's perfect for sprinkling over eggs, baked potatoes, or chips for a culinary twist.

Hot paprika is an excellent choice if you want to add some spice to your meals, as it delivers vibrant heat with fruity notes. Its complex flavour makes it a gourmet alternative to the sheer heat of chilli powder and cayenne pepper.

Is paprika the same as cayenne pepper or chilli powder?

No, paprika is not the same as cayenne pepper or chilli powder.

Cayenne is made from a specific type of hot chilli and is always spicy, whereas paprika can be mild or hot, depending on the peppers used.

Chilli powder, on the other hand, is usually a blend of chilli peppers with other ingredients such as cumin, garlic, or oregano, while hot paprika is a single-ingredient spice.

What is the difference between Hungarian and Spanish Paprika?

Hungarian and Spanish paprika differ in flavour profiles and culinary traditions. Hungarian paprika is prized for its variety of styles. The hand-picked raw peppers are dried under the scorching sun of the Hungarian Great Plain. This unique drying process, combined with gentle stone milling, initiates the caramelisation of naturally occurring sugars, giving Hungarian sweet paprika its characteristic taste profile and setting it apart from other sweet paprikas.

Spanish paprika, known as pimentón, often has a distinct smoky flavour because the peppers are dried over oak-wood fires. If you want to substitute regular Spanish paprika, smoked Hungarian paprika is the closest alternative.

While both add character to dishes, Hungarian paprika prioritises the purity of flavour, allowing the natural fruity notes of the red peppers to shine, whereas Spanish paprika is more robust and emphasises smokiness.

Premium Quality

The quality of paprika powder is primarily measured using the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) colour value system, which quantifies the intensity of the spice's red pigmentation. ASTA values typically range from 80 to 180, with higher numbers indicating more vibrant colour. Colour intensity directly correlates with carotenoid concentration, which gives paprika its characteristic hue and is a significant contributor to its flavour.

Our Szegedi paprika has a brilliant, deep red colour and an ASTA value of 170-180, among the highest available on the market. Finely ground to a uniform texture, it has the perfect balance of a sweet, fruity aroma, subtle earthy undertones, and a rich, complex flavour. It comes in an airtight container, which protects it from light. The stand-up, re-sealable pouches for the 100g packs are a convenient way to store them in your spice cupboard, keeping them under ideal conditions to maintain their appearance and flavour.

This contrasts sharply with many supermarket-bought alternatives, which can be brown or orange, indicating oxidation or poor processing. A bitter flavour with harsh or acrid notes suggests poor drying methods or storage conditions, while a dull taste offers no added value to your recipes.

Buy Hungarian paprika online

Taste the difference for yourself and see what paprika with character can bring to your recipes, and never look back. Shop online and enjoy free UK delivery on all orders over £60.