Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika is a spice made from peppers that have been dried and smoked over wood fires. It is a variety of paprika, which itself is ground from dried red fruits of the Capsicum annuum plant. The smoking process gives it a distinct, deep flavor and aroma.

Manufacturers use smoked paprika primarily as a flavoring agent, adding a smoky, slightly sweet, and sometimes spicy taste to foods. It is often found in spice blends, rubs for meats, marinades, sauces, and savory dishes like stews and chili.

Smoked paprika is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a spice. It contains antioxidants, such as carotenoids, which are beneficial compounds found in many fruits and vegetables. Regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated paprika extracts, but specific evaluations for smoked paprika as a whole spice are less common. At typical dietary intakes, it is not associated with adverse health effects.