Even before being domesticated, six to eight thousand years ago, chilis had found a way to spread over more land and proliferate more widely by using birds as their seed carriers. Not only do birds fly and can spread the seeds over long distances but they also swallow the fruit whole, which keeps the seeds intact and allows them to germinate once they are “dropped”.
In summary, the spiciness of paprika can vary depending on the type of pepper used to make it. Sweet paprika is mild and sweet, offering little to no heat, while hot paprika provides a noticeable level of spiciness. Smoked paprika can be sweet or hot, with the added dimension of a distinct smoky flavor. Understanding the different types of paprika can help in selecting the right variety to achieve the desired level of spiciness in a dish.
No, paprika and bell pepper are not the same thing. Paprika is a spice made from dried peppers, while bell peppers are a type of fresh pepper that is often eaten raw or cooked.
There are many different types of chili sauce, which is often more of a generic term of a sauce made with chili peppers.
Some common chili peppers and their approximate Scoville heat units (SHU) include:
Hungarian Paprika
La Vera Smoked Hot Paprika, also known as picante, is a Spanish paprika that has been smoked the traditional way – in a drying house, over oak wood, for a period of 10-15 days. The end result is a spice that exhibits a deep, dark earthy red color and mild, but noticeable, heat. This spice measures approximately 500 - 1,000 on the Scoville Heat Unit Scale.
Paprika is available in both ground and powdered form. Ground paprika has a coarse texture and is often used as a seasoning for meat and vegetables. It can also be used as a rub for grilled meats.
In rare cases, allergic reactions to paprika and bell peppers can occur, causing symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Individuals who experience these symptoms after consuming paprika or bell peppers should seek medical attention immediately.
This sauce is hot and sweet, making it a very versatile dipping sauce. You can serve it with finger foods or douse your crispy noodles in it. While it’s mainly used as a dipping sauce, I also use it in stir-fries to add that perfect sweet, salty, spicy flavour.


Chili peppers offer a range of potential health benefits due to their nutritional content and the presence of capsaicin, the compound responsible for their heat. Some of the potential benefits of chili peppers include:
