Spices Including Paprika & Turmeric
Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.
What it is
Spices are dried seeds, fruits, roots, barks, or vegetative substances used in nutritionally insignificant quantities as a food additive for flavor or color. Paprika comes from the ground pods of *Capsicum annuum* peppers, and turmeric comes from the ground root of the *Curcuma longa* plant.
Why it's used
Spices are added to foods to enhance flavor and aroma. Paprika is often used for its mild, sweet flavor and red color, while turmeric is used for its warm, earthy flavor and vibrant yellow-orange hue. They are found in a wide variety of savory dishes, including meats, soups, sauces, and spice blends.
Health notes
Spices are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used for flavoring. Both paprika and turmeric contain various bioactive compounds, including antioxidants. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated many spices, and their safety at typical consumption levels is widely accepted. Research is ongoing into the potential health benefits of compounds found in these spices, but they are not considered medicinal substances.
Allergen info
Spices are not among the 9 FDA major allergens. Gluten is not typically present in paprika or turmeric unless cross-contaminated during processing.