However, any variety of smoked paprika won't match the heat level of hot paprika. It's why I also add red pepper flakes, chili flakes, or ground chilies to my recipe when using smoked paprika.

Overall, the two main types of paprika, sweet and hot, offer different flavor profiles and heat levels, allowing cooks to choose the right type of paprika to enhance the taste of their dishes. Whether adding a touch of sweetness or a fiery punch, paprika is a versatile spice that can elevate a wide range of recipes.

Hot sauces are a tasteful balance of flavors. It’s defined as a spicy and flavorful blend of different kinds of peppers and chilis, tomatoes, onions, vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices. It’s this mix of ingredients that creates a sauce that is not just going to activate your taste buds. It will have notes of fruitiness, sweetness from the sugar, a hint of warmth from the ground cumin or bitterness from the green bell peppers, and it might even have a touch of heat from the Sichuan peppercorns or the cayenne pepper that attacks the back of your throat, making you cough. It will also have a tangy flavor courtesy of the vinegar. 

The process of creating crushed red pepper begins with sorting and cleaning the peppers to remove any impurities. The peppers are then dried using a variety of methods, including sun drying or mechanical drying, to reduce their moisture content. Once dried, the peppers are ground into flakes or powder using specialized equipment in the factory.

The price of paprika per kilogram in China is influenced by various factors, such as the quality of the peppers used, the processing methods, and the supply and demand in the market. Some regions in China are known for producing high-quality paprika, which can fetch a higher price per kilogram compared to lower quality varieties.

Origins of Chili Sauce