Let’s talk a little about paprika! Although not native to Hungary, paprika has been embraced and infused in such a way that it would be very difficult to separate paprika from Hungarian gastronomy. After several hundred years, paprika has become a permanent part of the Hungarian landscape.
🌶️ Most spices are used by the pinch but Hungarian paprika should be used by the teaspoonful!
🌶️ Paprika made its way to Hungary in the 17th century.
🌶️ Professor Dr. Albert Szent-Györgyi discovered that paprika contains vitamins and other nutrients essential to the body. Szent-Györgyi was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1937 for his discoveries.
🌶️ The climate and soil of the Great Hungarian Plains makes some wonderful paprika!
🌶️ Can you name the two most famous paprika producing regions in Hungary? If you guessed Szeged and Kalocsa, you are right! But, any Hungarian that has a garden can grow and grind their own paprika.
🌶️ Paprika is a ground spice made from dried red fruits of the plant Capsicum annuum. In Hungarian, the sweet paprika is known as édes and the hot paprika is known as erős, which means strong.
🌶️ Paprika contains vitmains C and P as well as thiamine (B1), and niacin (B3).
🌶️ Paprika themes are often seen in Hungarian homes. It can be found on embroidery and painted on walls. Paprika is also strong up and used as decoration! It is even found in distilled spirits!
🌶️ If you grow your own paprika then you might be inspired to make your own Paprika Cream! Here is a recipe to try with either hot or mild peppers. I think it is easier to incorporate a wet paprika cream into a recipe.
🌶️ To order paprika from Hungary, CLICK HERE!
🌶️ CLICK HERE for instructions on how to make your own paprika!
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We loved our paprika picking adventure in 2017! Come along with us next time!
