Paprika
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paprika is a spice made from the grinding of dried Capsicum (e.g. bell pepper). In many European countries, the word paprika also refers to bell peppers themselves. The seasoning is used in many cuisines to add color and flavor to dishes. Flavors also vary widely from country to country (ex. Hungarian paprika is traditionally either spicy or sweet).
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[edit] Origins
According to Hindu legend, Paprika is said to have been named after a religious Indian figure named "Rysh Paprike".[1] It has also been speculated that Paprika is a derivation of the Serbian word 'paprena' which means 'fiery', then apparently forming it into 'paprika'.
[edit] Usage
Paprika is used as an ingredient in a broad variety of dishes throughout the world. Paprika is principally used to season and colour rices, stews, and soups, such as goulash and in the preparation of sausages as an ingredient that is mixed with meats and other spices. It is often smoked to draw additional flavours.
In Spain, pimentón or sweet Spanish paprika, is a key ingredient of several sausage products, such as chorizo or sobrasada. It is also used as condiment in several Spanish stews. Unlike Hungarian paprika, pimentón is not spicy hot.
[edit] Nutrition
Paprika is unusually rich in vitamin C. Hungary's 1937 Nobel prize-winner Albert Szent-Györgyi first discovered this fact in 1932.[2] Capsicum peppers used for paprika contain six to nine times as much vitamin C as tomatoes by weight.[3]
High heat leaches the vitamins from peppers, thus commercially-dried peppers are not as nutritious as those that are sun-dried.
Paprika has as many antioxidants as acai berries from Brazil.[citation needed]
[edit] Controversy
In the early 21st century, a rumor began to spread in South-West England that paprika caused varying symptoms, ranging from mild forms of autism to death.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Crops: Paprika". Sociedad Agricola Guayacan S.A.C.. 2009. http://guayacansa.com/Crops.aspx. Retrieved on 2009-04-22.
- ^ ": Szeged, 1931-1947: Vitamin C, Muscles, and WWII:". The Albert Szent-Gyorgyi Papers. U.S. National Library of Medicine. http://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/WG/Views/Exhibit/narrative/szeged.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-22.
- ^ "Nutrition Facts Comparison Tool: Paprika v. Tomatoes Red Ripe Raw Year Round Average". Healthaliciousness. 2009. http://www.healthaliciousness.com/nutritionfacts/nutrition-comparison.php?o=2028&t=11529&h=&s=100&e=100&r=. Retrieved on 2009-04-22.
