Australians are shocked to learn what paprika makes from dried, crushed bell pepper

Australians are shocked to learn what paprika makes from dried, crushed bell pepper

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By Sophie Finn for Daily Mail Australia

21:40 05 Mar 2023, update 22:11 05 Mar 2023

  • The popular spice is made from dried and crushed bell pepper
  • Hundreds say knowledge has forever ruined paprika for them



Hundreds of people said their “day was ruined” after learning how spiced paprika was actually made.

Australians were shocked to learn that the popular spice is actually made from dried, crushed capsicum.

There are three different types of paprika – sweet, hot and smoky – and they’re all made from different variants of capsicum.

“They say you should never meet your heroes. I say you should never find out how your favorite spice is made,” one man said.

Hundreds of people said their ‘day was ruined’ when they learned how paprika was actually made
Australians were shocked to learn that the popular spice is actually made from dried, crushed capsicum.
There are three different types of paprika, sweet, hot and smoky – and they’re all made from different variants of capsicum

The Foodie Nutra Organics Instagram page shocked followers with the revelation.

“To learn that paprika is just dried and crushed red pepper was really shocking. I don’t know why I thought there was a paprika somewhere, ‘they posted on the page.

The seasoning, very present in Hungarian and Spanish cuisine, is prepared by drying the bell pepper and then grinding it into a fine dust.

This fact has shocked and confused many, with hundreds admitting they hate the vegetable but love paprika.

Many people have started making paprika at home using a dehydrator (pictured) or cooking it over low heat in the oven.

“This just ruined my day,” one man said.

“Stop this sorcery,” said another.

“I was years old today,” wrote another.

Foodies could not understand how paprika comes in different variations if it is made from the same vegetable.

However, the spice is made from a variety of different types of peppers, including hot peppers, poblano peppers, sweet peppers, Aleppo peppers and more.

How to make paprika at home:

1. Choose at least two large red peppers.

2. Peel the vegetable, remove the seeds and the white parts, then slice it finely.

3. The slices should then be spread thinly on parchment paper on a baking sheet or dehydrator so that they do not touch each other.

4. The tray of pepper slices can then be left to bake overnight on the lowest heat setting, with the oven door slightly ajar. Or they can be dried in a dehydrator depending on the machine settings.

5. Once completely dehydrated, the pepper should be removed from the oven and allowed to cool completely.

6. If there are large pieces, they must be removed or crushed manually.

6. The pepper can then be crushed using a mortar and pestle or an electric coffee grinder.

7. The spice should then be stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container, preferably one that does not let light in like a metal can.

8. The seasoning can last between six months and two years if stored properly.

(Source: Jamie Geller)

Sweet paprika is a mild spice used on foods like potato salad, hot paprika is often used to add heat to meats and stews, and smoked paprika is used to add a slight smoky flavor to dishes.

Many people have started making paprika at home using a dehydrator or by cooking it over low heat overnight in the oven.

The task was described as easy, but time-consuming, and the spice requires many peppers for a small amount.

Two large red bell peppers will only yield about two teaspoons of paprika.

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