5 Fun Facts About Paprika
Well-known for its gorgeous orange-red colour, paprika is a spice we love to use in our dishes at Anat. It has a delicious flavour, adding a warmth to meat and vegetable dishes. We share some fun facts and things you might not have known about Paprika here.
It’s all in the name!
The word “paprika” was first used in 1896 in English. It originally came from the Hungarian word “paprika”, which was a diminutive of the Serbian and Croatian word “papar” (which means “pepper”), which in turn came from the Latin word “piper” or Modern Greek word “piperi”.
It helped a scientist win a Nobel Prize
Years ago, a Hungarian scientist won the Nobel Prize for research for his work on the vitamin content of paprika. Did you know that, pound for pound, paprika has a higher vitamin c content than citrus fruits? It’s just another reason to add it to more of your dishes at home.
It has its own museum in Hungary!
Paprika is so famous in the country of Hungary that it even has its own museum in the town of Kaloscsa. This is apparently one of the top three places to visit if you are ever in the town.
The history of paprika
Red paprika originated in Southern Mexico, Antilles Island and in Central America, where the Native Americans used the spice for seasoning and healing. Christopher Columbus brought the spice to Spain, and from there it moved to the rest of Europe and the world. The plant was originally used for its healing properties and the dye that the colour produces.
It has some amazing health benefits
This spice is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, which means it’s great for helping to keep our bodies healthy and functioning properly. A very beneficial component of paprika is capsaicin, and the level of this substance elevates with the rise of the temperature of the spice. Adding more of this spice to your food will benefit both your taste buds and your health!
There are a number of variations of Paprika, many specific to the country that variation is used in, but all add a wonderful flavour to food. We will continue to add the spice to our dishes at ANAT, providing our customers with those delicious Middle Eastern flavours that they have come to know and love from ANAT. Visit us soon to get your fix.
