Difference Between Cayenne Pepper and Paprika

Cayenne Pepper vs Paprika

If you are a lover of hot and spicy foods, you must be aware of different types of chilies and peppers that are known for their hotness, and add to the taste and spiciness of the food. Chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, capsicum, chili pepper etc. are different names given to spices and powders that are kept in kitchens and on the tables of restaurants, to allow customers to sprinkle them to add to the hotness and spiciness of the dish. Many people remain confused between cayenne pepper and paprika. This article attempts to make clear the differences between cayenne pepper and paprika.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is red chili pepper that is named after a French city called Cayenne and it is related to capsicum family of flowering plants species. When powdered, it is red in color and is added while cooking dishes to add to their hot and spicy nature. Cayenne fruits are eaten raw at some places but, in general, they are dried and ground to make a powder that is sold as a spice in the market. The fruit of cayenne pepper is considered to be a treasure house of vitamins like Vitamin A, B6, E, C, Riboflavin, and minerals like manganese and potassium. However, one can take only a very small amount of cayenne pepper because of its hotness and thus these vitamins and minerals add up to a very small value. The main ingredient of cayenne pepper remains capsaicin, which is considered to be an aphrodisiac in many cultures, particularly Asian.

Paprika

In some countries, paprika is the powdered spice made from chili peppers or bell peppers while, in others, the fruit of capsicum itself is called paprika. The addition of this spice makes dishes hot and spicy and also adds to their color and aroma. Paprika can be sweet to very hot depending upon the nature of peppers used to make the spice. The word Paprika comes from the Hungarian word paprika meaning capsicum or pepper. The spice called paprika is used in some countries like Spain, Hungary, Serbia, the state of California, but it is used worldwide as an ingredient in many dishes. Though, in some places, it is sprinkled over dishes for seasoning or garnishing; mostly it is used by heating on oil.

What is the difference between Cayenne Pepper and Paprika? • While paprika can range from mild to hot, cayenne pepper is always hot • Real spicy taste comes from cayenne pepper while paprika has a lighter taste coming from bell pepper • Cayenne pepper is considered to have medicinal values and full of vitamins and minerals while paprika is sweeter in nature • Cayenne pepper is also considered an aphrodisiac