People left astonished after discovering what paprika is actually made from

25 January 2024 , 10:11

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A number of people believed the spice came from a 'paprika tree' (Stock Photo) (Image: Getty Images)

Paprika is a popular cupboard staple for many households, giving any dish a little extra heat - but have you ever thought about what the deep crimson powder actually is and where it comes from?

Most foodies have always assumed it's a substance in itself, or that it comes from a 'paprika tree'. But now they've been left astounded after find out it's actually made up of ground-up and dried peppers - just like the ones you have in your fridge.

Of course there is no such thing as a paprika tree, but many shared how they simply thought it was just some sort of spice of it's own, and blended up to make the widely-known and recognised paprika powder.

Paprika can be made using a variety of peppers (Stock Photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The revelation came about when one person known as @simsimmaaz took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share her astonishment at her own discovery.

She said: "Learning that paprika is just dried and crushed red bell peppers was really shocking. Like I dunno why I thought there was a Paprika tree somewhere."

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Others reported similar amazement, with one person writing: "I didn't think there was a paprika tree, but I for sure thought it was some kind of spice blend or like its own thing that they just powdered." Another confessed: "I also thought there was a curry tree and that allspice was a combination of spices."

A third laughed: "You're not as bad as me who didn't realise guacamole is just avocados. I always thought it tasted familiar." Paprika can be made using cayenne peppers, bell peppers, Aleppo peppers, or sweet peppers. The pepper is first left to dry out, before being ground up using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.

It can be made at home, and those looking to make their own version of smoked paprika, a popular ingredient for meat rubs and ranch dressings, will need to first smoke their peppers over an oak fire before drying them out.

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Niamh Kirk