Zoitsa Homely Produce is launching our version of Paprika Seasoning.
Our Paprika Seasoning is an extremely versatile seasoning that can be used on chicken, vegetables, fish, fried eggs, devilled eggs… the possibilities are endless. Our version of Paprika Seasoning is loaded with sweet paprika, garlic, salt, dried oregano, and a touch…and I really mean a touch of cayenne pepper and it is absolutely glorious.
Our Paprika Seasoning is gorgeous on chicken whether you use it as a dry rub, a wet marinade/rub, baked chicken, grilled chicken, slow cooked chicken and just magnificent when cooked in a pressure cooker.
Paprika is one herb that I use a lot in my blends and in my everyday home cooking. I love the colour and the taste of paprika, especially sweet paprika. For me, I find that paprika (any kind) really adds a subtle warmth and a sweetness to foods.
Our Paprika Seasoning is smoky, woody, yet sweet, and then the cayenne pepper is the last thing your brain and taste buds register. A little bit goes a looong way with this seasoning. You really do not need to use much.
I was fascinated to learn that Paprika originated in Central Mexico way, way back in 1493 and Christopher Columbus “discovered” this beautiful spice. Paprika “arrived” in Spain back in the 16th Century and then made its way to Hungary where it was introduced to the Hungarians by the Turks in 1569. I was really surprised to read that some paprika became sweet paprika as the early Spanish settlers took red pepper seeds back to Europe and during the transportation the plant gradually lost its pungent taste. (How cool is that fact!)
Paprika was used many, many moons ago not only as a seasoning for food
but for medicinal reasons as well. It was believed that Paprika helped healing. It was also used as a red dye to colour fabric/garments.
Paprika is not only a staple in Spanish and Hungarian cuisines but I am pretty confident in saying that paprika is used worldwide and it’s a common everyday spice, but it’s a spice that is so adaptable and versatile and very easy to find.
Paprika is made using the dried red fruits of various capsicums or capsicum annuum plants. A sweet paprika is usually made from round red capsicums/peppers, medium to hot paprika uses long dark red capsicums/peppers and hot paprika uses several different types of long red capsicums/peppers. Paprika is so good for you as it contains a lot of Vitamin A and Vitamin E. I love that herbs and spices contain so much health benefits and they not only add more oomph and flavour to your food
Paprika comes in various “versions”. We have mild, sweet, hot, smoked, Hungarian just to name a few. There are also Hungarian and Spanish versions, just to mention a few! The tastes go from spicy (not burning spicy) to sweet, too rich, too woody, too smoky.
History lesson over. So from our kitchen to yours, we hope you enjoy this seasoning blend as much as we do.
Bon Appetit/ Jó étvágyat!
