- Furthermore, purchasing paprika from a supplier can often be more cost-effective than buying it from a grocery store. Suppliers often offer bulk pricing options, allowing you to stock up on paprika at a discounted rate. This can be particularly beneficial for those who use paprika frequently in their cooking or for businesses looking to buy in larger quantities.
Now, what if you can’t find bell pepper powder at your local grocery store? It requires short work and it can be daunting at first, but you can make your own powder at home. To start, you have to dehydrate them first and then ground them to powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. To use as a backup, simply double the amount as the recipe suggests.
Crushed red pepper is a staple in many kitchens, known for its fiery and bold flavor. This spice is made from dried and crushed red chili peppers, including the seeds and flakes. As a result, it packs a punch of heat along with a distinct pepperiness that can awaken your taste buds.
Heat Level: X-Hot
WHAT IT'S MADE OF
One thing that you might need to pay attention to is how hot red pepper flakes are. Unlike paprika, you can't find mild, medium, and hot varieties of crushed red pepper flakes.
Where to Find Quality Spices

Ingredients
One of the most popular ways to use dried red pepper pods in Chinese cooking is to create chili oil. This spicy, aromatic oil is made by infusing dried red pepper pods, along with spices like Sichuan peppercorns and star anise, in hot oil. The result is a fragrant and flavorful condiment that adds a delicious kick to dishes like noodles, stir-fries, and dumplings.
china dried red pepper pods

Paprika and bell peppers are both members of the Capsicum annuum species. While they are closely related, they have distinct differences that set them apart.

To make ancho powder, you’ll need to take the stems out of your bell peppers before popping them into a food dehydrator. Get them to a point where they’re brittle and then put them into a cotton bag before you grind them.
If you don’t have a good dehydrator, you can achieve the same dried peppers by putting them into the oven at around 50ºC.
The great thing about using this method is that the bell pepper powder will be bursting with flavour and so much more fragrant.
Where Does Chili Powder Fit In?

