Let's get into some history. Capsaicin was first extracted in 1816 by Christian Fridrich. Further work by John Clough Thresh led to its naming in 1876, but it wasn´t until 1898 that Karl Micko isolated the compound in pure crystalline form. A century later, in 1997, David Julius discovered and cloned the cellular receptor for capsaicin, and brought a new level of understanding on how capsaicin works. We´ll get more into this science in the second part of this blog.

Even though it's easily available in stores and online, I prefer to make my Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce at home. I know that sounds like one extra thing to do - but hear me out. Making this Asian sauce at home is insanely easy. It requires minimal prep, most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the cooking process is mostly hands free.

That said, black pepper or white pepper has a distinct spiciness and heat level that can match what paprika brings to the table. In fact, I add the same amount of ground black pepper or white pepper when using it to substitute hot paprika in my recipe.

There are several key factors that consumers look for when purchasing organic turmeric powder. One of the most important considerations is the organic certification of the product. This ensures that the turmeric powder has been grown and processed without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or other harmful chemicals.

Adding paprika to your food can also help your health. Containing capsicum and high in fibre, it can assist with digestion, breaking down foods more easily. Paprika is also high in vitamin C and is said to normalise blood pressure and improve circulation. So it’s definitely worth adding to your dishes in the winter to provide some extra warmth. As well as vitamin C, paprika also contains good levels of vitamin E, which helps the body produce red blood cells. That means it can help heal wounds. If you get a cut, sprinkle some of the powder on it and press gently with a clean cloth for a few seconds. The spice is loaded with antioxidants too, which fight cell damage, so it’s linked to helping prevent heart disease and cancer. It’s also an effective treatment against acne, rejuvenating your skin. The iron found in paprika is also said to encourage hair growth, by improving circulation to the scalp. And it can help maintain hair colour too, due to vitamin B6, which aids in the production of melanin, a pigment that gives your hair colour. But if you’re planning on using it for this reason, always test a small amount on your wrist first, just in case you have a reaction.

Yidu's dried chili exporters have also benefited from the growing global demand for spicy food products. In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity for spicy foods and flavors, leading to an increase in demand for dried chili peppers. Yidu's exporters have been able to capitalize on this trend by supplying high-quality dried chili peppers to markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Paprika is known for its sweet to mildly hot flavor and vibrant color, making it a staple in many dishes. If you’re out of paprika:

10. CRUSHED RED PEPPER FLAKES

Paprika is widely used in a variety of cuisines around the world. It is a key ingredient in dishes such as Hungarian goulash, Spanish paella, and Indian curries. Its vibrant color makes it a popular garnish for dishes like deviled eggs, potato salad, and hummus. Paprika is also used in spice blends, marinades, and rubs to add flavor and color to meats, vegetables, and rice dishes.

CAJUN SEASONING