When Christopher Columbus landed in the Bahamas in 1492, he was the first European to have an encounter with any sort of chile pepper plant. He brought the ancestor of all paprika back with him to Europe and specifically to his patrons, the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. The king and queen did not care for their fiery heat and sent them to a monastery to be studied. These monks sent them further along across Spain and Portugal. From there, chile peppers made their way across Europe. Some peppers stayed spicy, like those in Calabria, but other European cultures experimented with their breeding and created the sweet and flavorful varieties of peppers that give us paprika today. 

Homemade chili sauce will last 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months.

Physical Characteristics

That said, I advise you to add the cayenne powder gradually to help you find the right amount that will work best for your taste buds or cooking style. Start with a one-eight teaspoon and adjust accordingly.

It's important to note that the specific uses of oleoresin can vary depending on the source material and the desired properties for a particular application. Additionally, the safety and regulatory considerations for oleoresin use may differ across industries and regions, and it's essential to adhere to relevant guidelines and standards when incorporating oleoresins into products for commercial or personal use.

This paprika is delicious when added to cheeses, chicken, duck, egg dishes, hors d'ouvres, rice, salads, smoked foods, vegetables, and cottage cheese. It’s also terrific in salad dressings, where it not only adds color but also acts as an emulsifier.