Moreover, suppliers that prioritize sustainable and ethical farming practices contribute to a healthier planet and often produce higher quality spices Moreover, suppliers that prioritize sustainable and ethical farming practices contribute to a healthier planet and often produce higher quality spicesHungarian paprika is known for its fantastic flavor and vibrant red color. But what peppers are traditionally used to make this beloved spice in Hungary? Let’s dive into the classic choices and some accessible alternatives if you’re in the United States. Traditionally, Hungarian paprika is made from specific pepper varieties like Kalocsai and Szegedi. These peppers, part of the Capsicum annuum family, bring their own unique characteristics to the table. However, not all Capsicum annuum peppers are suitable for making paprika.
Let's get into some history. Capsaicin was first extracted in 1816 by Christian Fridrich. Further work by John Clough Thresh led to its naming in 1876, but it wasn´t until 1898 that Karl Micko isolated the compound in pure crystalline form. A century later, in 1997, David Julius discovered and cloned the cellular receptor for capsaicin, and brought a new level of understanding on how capsaicin works. We´ll get more into this science in the second part of this blog.
