Paprika is a beloved spice in kitchens worldwide, but most people have no idea what it’s actually made from. During a recent cooking session with my mother-in-law, I casually asked her about paprika’s origin, half-expecting some rare herb or secret ingredient. To my surprise, she smiled and revealed the simple truth: paprika is just dried and ground red peppers—nothing mysterious, just pure, natural flavor.
This down-to-earth explanation made me appreciate paprika even more. For years, I enjoyed its vibrant red hue and smoky warmth in dishes like goulash without ever stopping to think about its humble roots. Knowing it comes straight from sweet red peppers made the spice feel refreshingly genuine—simple yet deeply flavorful.
