Paprika – Colour, Warmth & Flavour in One Spice
What is Paprika?
Paprika is made from dried, ground sweet peppers and chillies, and it’s one of the world’s most popular spices — used for its rich red colour, mild warmth, and subtle sweet or smoky flavour. From classic Hungarian goulash to Spanish paella, paprika plays a vital role in everyday cooking across Europe and beyond.
While often seen as a single ingredient, paprika comes in a few main varieties, each with its own personality:
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Sweet Paprika – Mild, slightly sweet and ideal for colour and richness
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Smoked Paprika – Dried over wood smoke, often oak, for deep earthy flavour
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Hot Paprika – Made from spicier pepper varieties for extra kick
Whether you’re seasoning, marinating or garnishing, paprika brings life to your cooking — without overpowering heat.
What is an ASTA Rating?
ASTA stands for the American Spice Trade Association, and their rating system is used to measure the colour strength of chilli and paprika powders. A higher ASTA number means a more vibrant red colour in the spice — an important quality marker, especially in products like paprika where colour is a key selling point. For example, a paprika with an ASTA rating of 160–180 will have a deeper, richer red hue than one rated below 100. While ASTA doesn’t measure flavour or heat, it’s an essential guide to visual quality, especially in commercial spice blends and food manufacturing.
Flavour Profile & Heat Level
Paprika can range from mild and mellow to gently hot, depending on the type.
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Heat Level: Zero to Medium
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Scoville Rating: 0 – 8,000 SHU (varies by type)
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Flavour Notes: Sweet, earthy, smoky, occasionally warm
Culinary Uses of Paprika
Paprika is one of the most versatile spices you can stock. It blends beautifully with garlic, onion, and cumin, and enhances both meat and plant-based dishes.
Great in:
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Stews & casseroles – Builds colour and flavour in one go
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Roast veg & potatoes – A sprinkle adds warm depth
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BBQ rubs & marinades – Especially smoked paprika for earthy backbone
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Garnishing eggs & dips – Bright red colour that finishes a dish
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Spice blends – A key ingredient in everything from taco seasoning to ras el hanout
Use sweet for colour, smoked for savoury richness, and hot for just a little bite.
Why Buy Paprika from CHILLIESontheWEB?
We stock a full range of high-quality paprika powders, carefully sourced and packed for maximum freshness, colour and aroma. Whether you’re after sweet, smoky or hot, our paprika delivers bold colour and balanced flavour every time — no bitterness, no fillers, just proper spice.
Trusted in home kitchens and professional pans alike — this is your go-to for warm, vibrant cooking.