Paprika

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Red pepper is one of the most loved and used spices in Bulgarian cuisine. There is almost no dish or traditional dish in our country in which red pepper is not added. Characteristic of the taste that gives this spice is the sweet hue, which is why it is extremely suitable for flavoring vegetable dishes, chicken, pork and beef, and even fish. In recent years, smoked red pepper has become very popular, which gives a unique taste to dishes.

The history of the spice is not known in great detail, but sweet red pepper was the first to be used. In Europe, red pepper does not come from the Orient, but from a radically different direction from Portugal. In the land of oranges and fine wine, red pepper came in the 16th century, when Portuguese caravels brought the spice from Mexico. Its taste was immediately appreciated, as red pepper was an extremely expensive spice, reaching the price of black pepper.

Furthermore, the history of crushed red peppers marked its apogee with its entry into Hungary. This happened somewhere in the 19th century, when the country used so much red pepper in cooking that it began to be considered his second home. As a main element of Hungarian cuisine, a number of famous local dishes are not prepared without red pepper, including Hungarian goulash.

Hot red pepper comes from the family Capsicum, which are better known as hot peppers. The botanical name of the plant is Capsicum annuum. Hot red pepper, also called cayenne pepper, is made from ripe hot peppers and is used to season dishes, sauces, and some spice mixes.

Types of paprika

Red pepper is divided into two types. He is sweet red pepper and hot red pepper. Both types are powder or small flakes, which are obtained by grinding or crushing dried red peppers or peppers. Sweet red pepper is made from sweet red peppers and gives the dishes a slightly sweet taste.

Selection and storage of paprika

Red pepper is one of the most commonly used spices, which is why it is very easy to find - it can be found in almost every grocery store. Buy pepper in very tightly closed bags. Store it in a dry and dark place.

Cooking with paprika

In Bulgaria, the practice of frying a dish of hot oil and red pepper is widespread. Thus, beans, lentils, even eggs become extremely appetizing.

Usually red pepper colors the dishes in a characteristic orange to tile color. Quite often used for sprinkling various products and salads. Then, however, its aroma is not completely released and the effect achieved is more aesthetic than taste.

The aroma of paprika is completely released during heat treatment. However, it must be careful, be short and moderate, because at high temperatures the sugars in the spice burn and its taste becomes bitter.

Smoked paprika is added to almost the same dishes as ordinary pasta. It gives a very pleasant smoky aroma to food, can be likened to the aroma of a barbecue. It is very suitable for cooking beans, thus creating the feeling that the legume is cooked on charcoal.

Smoked red pepper is suitable for flavoring red meats, as well as heavier meats, but still be careful, because too much of it will create a bitter taste, which is not very pleasant.

If you are going to flavor stew or another similar dish with smoked pepper, it is good to add it at the beginning of cooking. In this way the aroma will unfold better. The classic red pepper should be added at the end of the heat treatment, but this does not apply to the smoked version.

In case you haven't used smoked red pepper yet, it's best to start with a small amount so you can adjust to its taste, then you can increase it a bit.

Benefits of red pepper

The benefits for the human body of red pepper are not one or two. Chili pepper is an excellent source of vitamin A. It is also a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and dietary fiber. Hot red pepper enhances metabolic processes and accelerates the expulsion of mucus.

Pepper has the ability to provide additional heat in the body, improve blood circulation and make it easier to reach more remote areas of the body, for which effective removal of mucus is just as important.

Hot red pepper has proven benefits in preventing cancer, heart attacks, as well as ulcers and other gastrointestinal diseases.

Peptic ulcer, which is caused by bacteria, responds particularly well to hot red pepper. The increase in the acidic environment in the stomach is the cause of the worsening of the ulcer. In this case, the South American spice is used as a medicine. Hot red pepper stops the development of ulcers by killing bacteria, which in turn stimulates the cells of the gastric mucosa to secrete protective juices. It is these juices that have a good effect on the ulcer.

Hot red pepper has an overall healing effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Not only stomach ulcers, but also those of the duodenum are treated with Capsicum. The spice is a powerful painkiller and can even help restore stomach tissue and move blood at a faster rate to the tissue area. Red pepper promotes faster absorption of foods consumed with it.

As red pepper is very rich in fiber and minerals, it is a suitable spice in any diet for weight loss.

During colds and flu, the body has an increased need for vitamin C, and red pepper is a great way to get the valuable antioxidant. Also useful in case of illness, because it has good appetite-stimulating properties. Loss of appetite is a major problem in the disease, as the body needs to supply important nutrients, thanks to which it copes with the problem faster.

The high content of carotenoids in red pepper such as vitamin A and zeaxanthin determine the beneficial effect of the spice on eye health. Vitamin A is known to protect against macular blindness and macular degeneration, and zeaxanthin in turn reduces the risk of eye infections, but also protects against various infectious diseases and some respiratory problems.

It is believed that red pepper can improve sleep quality. This is due to the vitamin B6 it contains, which stimulates the production of the hormone melatonin, which is responsible for maintaining a healthy sleep cycle.

Another health benefit attributed to paprika is the reduction of superficial varicose veins.

Red pepper also helps to transfer more oxygen to the hair follicles, thus stimulating its growth and at the same time strengthening it, preventing hair loss.

Sweet red pepper also improves digestion, increasing the secretion of saliva and stomach acids, which in turn break down food faster and help to provide nutrients faster for the body's energy.

There are many benefits to regular consumption of paprika, so be sure to flavor your dishes with it. Bet on a quality product to make the most of its culinary and health benefits.

Harm from paprika

By itself red pepper does no harm for health, but its spicy form can be dangerous for some people. Chili peppers can cause stomach irritation and pain in more sensitive people. It is also dangerous in conditions such as gastritis, stomach ulcers, breastfeeding, pregnancy, heart and kidney problems, hemorrhoids, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and individual intolerance.

Excessive consumption of spicy foods can lead to ulcers and gastritis, so be careful with the use of hot red pepper.