Making homemade cayenne powder is easy, but should always be done in a well-ventilated space, or ideally outdoors! We make tons of our own homemade cayenne powder every year, as it is a simple way to add heat to our cooking. For a more flavorful result, use your cayenne powder to make a tasty spice blend like shichimi togarashi.

When Christopher Columbus landed in the Bahamas in 1492, he was the first European to have an encounter with any sort of chile pepper plant. He brought the ancestor of all paprika back with him to Europe and specifically to his patrons, the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. The king and queen did not care for their fiery heat and sent them to a monastery to be studied. These monks sent them further along across Spain and Portugal. From there, chile peppers made their way across Europe. Some peppers stayed spicy, like those in Calabria, but other European cultures experimented with their breeding and created the sweet and flavorful varieties of peppers that give us paprika today. 

Overall, while allergic reactions to paprika and bell peppers can occur, they are generally safe for consumption and have therapeutic uses. Individuals who experience allergic reactions should seek medical attention, while those looking to incorporate paprika and bell peppers into their diet may benefit from their nutritional and anti-inflammatory properties.

Bell peppers definitely have a less spicy flavor and heat level than the peppers used to make hot paprika. But I have tried bell pepper powder in many of my recipes, and it worked just fine.