Paprika: Sweet‑Smoky Spice Loaded with Antioxidant Carotenoids

Ground from sun‑dried red peppers, paprika brings vivid colour, mild heat and a day’s worth of vitamin A to rubs, stews and devilled eggs.

0.0(0)

F T IN P W V

Paprika: Sweet‑Smoky Spice Loaded with Antioxidant Carotenoids

Vitamin C Vegan Weight Loss Gluten-Free Fiber

What Is Paprika?

Paprika is a powder made by drying and grinding red Capsicum annuum peppers. Depending on cultivar and processing it ranges from **sweet** (no heat) to **hot** (10 000 SHU) and **smoked** (slow‑smoked over oak, a Spanish specialty).

Nutrition (per Tbsp = 6 g)

| | Amount | %DV | |---|---|---| | Calories | 19 kcal | — | | **Fiber** | 2 g | 7 % | | **Vitamin A** (RAE) | 488 µg | 54 % | | Vitamin C | 3 mg | 3 % | | Iron | 1 mg | 6 % | Active phyto‑pigments: **β‑carotene, capsanthin, zeaxanthin**.

Potential Benefits

- **Retina & skin protection** thanks to carotenoids - Mild **capsaicin** may enhance metabolic rate & circulation - Iron plus vitamin C aid red‑blood‑cell formation - Zero sodium, zero fat—easy flavour boost.

Drawbacks & Precautions

- Heat‑sensitive carotenoids degrade with prolonged high‑heat cooking—add near the end - Susceptible to rancidity & aflatoxin—buy in small packets, store cool & dark - Rare nightshade allergies.

Culinary Uses

- Base spice in **goulash, chorizo, harissa** - Sprinkle smoked paprika on hummus & roasted veg - Bloom gently in oil (≤120 °C) to unlock colour - Combine sweet : hot 3 : 1 for balanced warmth.

Key Varieties

- *Édesnemes* (Hungary) – sweet, bright‑red - *Pimentón de la Vera* (Spain) – smoked dulce/picante - Hot paprika – contains seeds & veins for heat.

Storage

Airtight jar, < 20 °C, away from light. Optimal flavour ≤ 9 months; freeze for 18 months.

Sustainability

Capsicums thrive in warm climates with moderate water. Choose paprika certified **PDO** or fair‑trade to support small producers and avoid forced‑labour supply chains.

Key Takeaways

✔︎ ½ Tbsp supplies >25 % DV vitamin A ✔︎ Mild capsaicin, bold colour ✖︎ Light & heat quickly dull flavour—store wisely.

References

1. USDA FoodData Central FDC ID 02028 (2024) 2. Martínez, C. *Food Chem.* 427 (2024) 3. EFSA Report on Capsaicinoid Intake (2023)

1. Paprika
Use in moderation due to high heat.

Comments

Povezani postovi

Smoked Paprika: 6 kcal & 1 000 IU Vitamin A per Teaspoon of Sweet, Wood-Fired Spice

VeganGluten-FreeDairy-Free

Bison Meat: Lean, Nutrient-Dense Red Meat

Paprika: Sweet‑Smoky Spice Loaded with Antioxidant Carotenoids

What Is Paprika?

Nutrition (per Tbsp = 6 g)

Potential Benefits

Drawbacks & Precautions

Culinary Uses

Key Varieties

Storage

Sustainability

Key Takeaways

References

Comments

Povezani postovi

Povezani recepti

Povezani postovi

Povezani recepti

Paprika: Sweet‑Smoky Spice Loaded with Antioxidant Carotenoids

What Is Paprika?

Nutrition (per Tbsp = 6 g)

Potential Benefits

Drawbacks & Precautions

Culinary Uses

Key Varieties

Storage

Sustainability

Key Takeaways

References

Comments

Povezani postovi

Povezani recepti

Povezani postovi

Povezani recepti

Nutrition (per Tbsp = 6 g)

Nutrition (per Tbsp = 6 g)