In addition to its culinary applications, paprika oleoresin is also used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries for its colorant properties. It provides a natural alternative to synthetic food colorants and is valued for its stability and resistance to fading.
- The final step is packaging
- Logistics and Shipping
- Wholesale purchasing of these chiles presents an economical and practical solution for those who frequently incorporate them into their cooking. It ensures a consistent supply, saving time and effort in the long run. Moreover, buying in bulk often guarantees fresher produce, as it is typically sourced directly from farmers or distributors, ensuring optimal quality.
- Once dried, the skin of the pepper is removed, revealing the seed-studded interior. Separating the seeds from the flesh is a crucial step; while some prefer the added heat from the seeds, others seek a purer chili flavor without the grittiness they impart. This sorting is often done by machine, yet some premium producers perform this task manually, upholding traditional practices that can enhance the artisanal aspect of their product.
Now add your Sichuan chili flakes and sugar. Stir to combine.


Paprika is a vibrant spice that can have earthy, sweet, smokey and fiery flavor depending on the variety used. The bright hue is due to high levels of carotene found in Paprika, the same pigment found most notably in...carrots! Paprika is a key spice ingredient in stuffed bell peppers, deviled eggs, chorizo, and traditional Spanish rice. There are many varieties of paprika, and they are best recognized by their differing flavor, color, heat level, and smokiness. Read our paprika spice spotlight for more information on the nuanced differences between our paprikas.

FAQ: Can I use paprika instead of crushed red pepper, or vice versa, and what impact does it have on a dish?
Bell peppers are in the shellfish family or Solanaceae with tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes and peppers. Peppers in this plant family are scientifically classified as Capsicum annuum, and this applies to both sweet (such as bell peppers) and hot (such as jalapeños and cayenne) varieties. There are many varieties of Capsicum or chili peppers, classified under different species names. For example, habanero chile is classified under Capsicum chinense.
No matter what kind of paprika you choose, make sure you cook it with some kind of liquid. All paprika contains a relatively high amount of natural sugar, so exposure to direct heat on the bottom of the pan can burn it very easily. Because of their very different flavor profiles, we do not recommend substituting smoked paprika for regular paprika, or vice-versa.


Spicy ketchup will obviously be sweeter and very mild in comparison to Sriracha, so as an ingredient, it’s good for big proportions (like for meatloaf). We wouldn’t use it for more authentic chili sauce needs (go with Sriracha there), but based on your recipe context, it can work.
So, let’s focus on chili powder, or the spice blend that is used to make chili con carne, tacos, and delicious meat rubs. This is genuinely one of my favorite spices, as it alone can often be enough to flavor an entire dish.
What Customers Say: “I originally bought this as a prank on a friend, but tasted it first in order to make sure it was not too hot for an asthmatic. I decided that it was too good to be used on the prank. Ever since, I eat this with pizza as the garlic makes it taste a lot like marinara sauce!!! Amazing hot sauce!!!”