Capsicum annuum
Culinary uses:
Paprika's subtle, sweet flavour is compatible with hot and spicy dishes, but also mild stews profit greatly from it. Paprika is strongly associated with Hungarian cuisine. Used in dishes such as chicken papirkash and goulash. In Spain paprika is used to flavor shell fish dishes, rice, and season tomato and green pepper salads.
Tips:
Since paprika contains significant amounts of sugar, it must not be overheated, as the sugar will quickly turn bitter. Frying paprika powder in hot oil is therefore a critical procedure that must last no longer than a few seconds.
Storage:
Allow peppers to turn red before drying and grinding. Snip them off the plant and hang them to dry in direct sun. You may also use a dehydrator but be sure to remove stems and seeds first. Allow the pods to dry until they turn very brittle. Store the peppers in a ziplock bag or in the freezer. Grind them as needed with a blender or coffee grinder. Paprika should be considered a semi-perishable product and treated as such. It should be stored in a cool dry place. In hot climates it should be stored at 40-60°F (4-15°C). This will aid in color retention.
Paprika deteriorates quickly so it should be purchased in small quantities and kept in airtight containers away from sunlight. If you cannot grow your own then you can buy some good quality paprika at your local supermarket. Szeged Hungarian Paprika is a good quality product. It is sold in 5 ounce containers in the spice section.
Description:
Paprika is a red powder that is made from grinding the dried pods of mild varieties of the pepper plant
Origin:
Paprika has been traditionally associated with Hungary, where much of the best paprika is produced today. The first pepper plants arrived in Hungary in the 17th century.
Cultivation:
Peppers need warm weather to grow. It is recommended that you sow the seed 6-8 weeks before transplanting in a high quality mix in a shallow starting tray, about 3 seeds to the inch. The potting soil temperature must be kept above 80°F (27°C) if possible to encourage germination. It is recommended to use heating cable or set pots on a water heater. The seedlings will emerge in 7 to 15 days. The plants must be kept continuously moist (but not soggy). After 15 days thin the seedlings enough to give each plant about a 2 by 2 inch area. Also if they become too large transplant them into 5 inch pots so you will not hold back their growth.
Medicinal Uses:
Paprika has little medicinal properties. It does contain high levels of Vitim C. Also has family characteristics of the hot and mild peppers; although such a minimal degree
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