Every hot sauce delivers some amount of heat, but some have significantly more than others. Know your limits and choose your hot sauce accordingly. From mild and medium hot sauces that provide a barely noticeable hint of warmth to flaming-hot hot sauces that will have you begging for a cold glass of milk, there are plenty of options out there. Always review the label or website description before dousing any sauce on your food to avoid the tragic situation of ruining a perfectly tasty meal with something your taste buds just can’t muster. 

Other than sambal oelek, you can go for chili paste, crushed chili flakes or even cayenne pepper to replace sriracha. Although these substitutes may not be hot enough, neither do they have the same thick consistency as Sriracha, yet will serve the same basic purpose.

The use of capsaicin oleoresin extends beyond the culinary realm, as it is also utilized in various non-food applications. In the pharmaceutical industry, capsaicin oleoresin is used in topical creams and ointments for its potential analgesic properties, providing relief for muscle and joint discomfort. It is believed to work by desensitizing pain receptors in the skin, offering a warming sensation and temporary relief from minor aches and pains.

Oleoresin Capsicum: Versatility in Applications

Red bell peppers are a mature version of green bell peppers. They have a sweeter taste and a more vibrant color than green peppers. Red bell peppers are also higher in vitamin C and other nutrients than green peppers.

- Paprika oleoresin, on the other hand, is obtained through a solvent-based extraction process, where the essential oils, pigments, and flavors of paprika are extracted using a solvent such as hexane or ethyl acetate. This method results in a concentrated extract with a higher content of the active compounds, including the characteristic color and flavor of paprika.

Thus, please don't be confused when I use the terms hot or spicy paprika and Hungarian paprika interchangeably.

Hungarians eat a colossal half kilo of paprika every year – that’s more than anyone else in Europe.