This term derives from the Latin “pigmentun”, which is known as a coloring matter that was used to paint. Paprika is a powdered dressing that is made by drying and grinding red bell peppers (also known as red bell peppers or red chili peppers). However, there are different kinds of paprika, basically it is a fairly spicy condiment.

It should be noted that paprika as such reached the entire European continent, through Christopher Columbus, he brought it from American lands in the year 1493.

It is a vital ingredient in typical Spanish dishes. But in addition to that, its culinary implementation possesses several interesting medicinal qualities. It is considered a healthy product and good for health if used in moderation.

Types and Uses

At present China and India occupy the first place in the export of this product. Due to genetic moderation they have been achieved in yellow, orange and whitish.

According to the variety of peppers that exists , it is possible to distinguish between hot paprika (it causes more heat), sweet paprika (the mildest condiment of this class), sweet and sour peppers among many others. In certain preparations, preservatives are added to the paprika to maintain its qualities over time.

There are many recipes that use paprika as a fundamental tool in the gastronomy of different countries. Sausages such as Serrano ham or chorizo ​​usually present this seasoning. Similarly, various soups, stews and pickles include paprika to accentuate their exotic flavors and achieve a more intense color.

In Hungary it is known as paprika to the pimento that is elaborated with the paprika that are cultivated in its territory. What’s more, the most popular dish in Hungarian cuisine contains a high amount of paprika: goulash.

In Spain there is an extensive diversity of peppers that counts as a designation of origin. The paprika de la vera is produced especially in the province of Cáceres and is characterized by being smoked. On the other hand, the paprika from Murcia is much sweeter.

Said paprika de la vera, is undoubtedly the most important in the Spanish country and the one that has a first-rate quality, as it is considered by the denomination of origin of the same name. It has a uniqueness that it has a special aroma and flavor, as a result of the drying of the peppers that are used for its preparation, they are dried with oak wood smoke.

Examples of paprika

In general, this product has 3 different varieties:

• Sweet, obtained from jaranda and ball type peppers.
• Bittersweet, it is made from the jariza and jaranda varieties.
• Spicy, it is prepared with the variety of peppers called jeromin.

Benefits of paprika for our health

• It contains potassium which is helpful for the proper functioning of the heart and prevents chronic diseases.
• You help burn fat as well as speed up metabolism and lose weight as a result.
• It helps to improve the high levels of flu and catarrhal. In this way, it strengthens the immune system by containing vitamin A.
• Ideal to promote proper blood clotting, as well as to optimize bone metabolism.
• It contains high amounts of vitamin B2, which can help you overcome intense migraines and maintain the health of your skin in general. Like vitamin B1, it is of great help to overcome anxiety problems, such as insomnia and stress.
• It is fully recommended for its high content of vitamin B1, this vitamin is known to help reduce anxiety levels, linked to stress or selective sadness.

In general, it is a healthy condiment but it should be eaten in moderation since it does not require high amounts to obtain medicinal benefits.