Chieftain^® Wild Rice Company

PAPRIKA, 120-140 ASTA

Description:

This colorful and vibrant spice adds brilliant color and a unique flavor to foods.  Paprika is made by grinding and drying a certain type of red chile pepper found originally in Central America.  The peppers used for making Paprika are closely related to the Pimento. The Spanish brought Paprika to Europe where it was quickly adopted into the Hungarians national cuisine. Paprika releases its color and flavor when heated.  The red color of Paprika is expressed in units determined by the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA).  A good color Paprika would have 80-90 ASTA units.  The units may go from as low as 30 ASTA for a low color Paprika to 150 ASTA units for a high color Paprika.

Suggested Use:

Paprika is often used with egg dishes, poultry and shrimp yet is excellent in cream based sauces and soups.  Since Paprika only releases its color and flavor when heated, sprinkling it over colorless dishes may improve their appearance but will do little for their taste.