This spice has been thoroughly incorporated into Hungarian culture. There are eight paprika flavor and appearance profiles in Hungary; they range from különleges, sweet and mild, and a brilliant red, to erős, which is spicy and a dusky orange-brown color that can be as hot as the hottest jalapeno. Paprika marketed in the US as Hungarian Sweet Paprika is usually classified as édesnemes paprika; fiery red, but with a mellow flavor and just a touch of pungency.  

To air dry peppers, begin by choosing fully ripe peppers for the best flavor. First, give the peppers a good wash. Then create a string or loop using thread and carefully pass it through the stems of the peppers. Hang them in a warm and well-ventilated area, like a sunny window or a room with good airflow. Keep in mind that air drying takes time, typically several weeks, for the peppers to completely dry. Be cautious, as the longer drying period increases the chances of spoilage or mold growth, especially in humid environments.

Next, consider adding crushed red pepper during the cooking process rather than after. By sprinkling the pepper on top of your pizza before it goes into the oven, the heat of the oven will help release the flavors of the pepper and infuse them into the pizza. This will result in a more cohesive and well-rounded flavor profile.

Hot paprika is something you're more likely to come across in an authentic Eastern European, Portuguese, or Spanish recipe. And like all peppers, what constitutes hot is subjective and can also vary from one type of paprika to another.