Paprika Spice

Paprika (Latin: Capsicum annuum L.) is a spice made by grounding dry red bell peppers or sweet peppers. The most common variety used for making paprika is tomato pepper. Often, tomato pepper is mixed with other varieties to make paprika stronger in flavour. Depending on the species, the peppers will vary in shape, size, colour and are mild or hot in flavour. The perennial plants generally grow into a large shrubby herb up to 60 cm in height.

All pepper plant varieties require full sun, warm growing temperatures, and moist and well-drained soil. The pepper plants used to make paprika are especially productive in warm and dry climates. They can tolerate most climates except those prone to frost.

The peppers used to make paprika are native to southern North America and northern South America. Furthermore, paprika originates from North America, specifically from central Mexico where it has been growing for centuries.