Paprika is one of the most common spices in the kitchen, used for everything from seasoning meat to flavoring stews. The exact origin of paprika has many people scratching their heads. Most spices have names that are derived directly from the plant they’re made of. Cinnamon, for example, was once cinnamon sticks, cumin is dried cumin seeds, and ginger is made of ground ginger root. The word “paprika” comes from the Latin word for “pepper.” So, when you sprinkle paprika onto your chicken, chili, or deviled eggs, you’re really adding dried out, finely ground bell peppers. The bright color is thanks to the type of bell pepper used, which is most often red. The spice can add tangy, smoky, or even sweet flavors to cooking. It’s also dense in nutrients like Vitamin A, capsaicin, and carotenoid antioxidants.
