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When used in food and pharmaceutical products, capsaicin oleoresin is generally considered safe when used in accordance with regulatory guidelines and recommended usage levels. However, individuals with known sensitivities or allergies to chili peppers should exercise caution, and it's important to ensure the purity and quality of the product.

The use of capsaicin oleoresin extends beyond the culinary realm, as it is also utilized in various non-food applications. In the pharmaceutical industry, capsaicin oleoresin is used in topical creams and ointments for its potential analgesic properties, providing relief for muscle and joint discomfort. It is believed to work by desensitizing pain receptors in the skin, offering a warming sensation and temporary relief from minor aches and pains.

The Scoville Scale was developed in 1912 by Wilbur Scoville, a pharmacist from the United States. To determine the SHU, an exact weight of hot pepper is dissolved in alcohol to extract the capsaicinoids components. These components are then diluted in a solution of sugar water and decreasing concentrations are given to a panel of trained tasters until a majority can no longer detect them in a diluted form. The heat level is then rated based on this dilution in multiples of 100 SHU. This system was initially purely organoleptic but nowadays is measured using HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) to prevent any deviation from sensory fatigue or the chosen panel´s resistance.

In addition to being better for the environment, natural paprika is also rich in nutrients and antioxidants. The peppers used to make natural paprika contain high levels of vitamin C, vitamin A, and capsaicin, which have been linked to various health benefits. These nutrients are preserved in the drying and grinding process, making natural paprika a healthy and flavorful addition to any dish.

Some common types of chili peppers include:

When shopping for paprika in China, it is important to consider the quality of the spice before making a purchase. Higher-quality paprika tends to have a more vibrant color and a stronger flavor, making it worth the slightly higher price tag. It is also important to store paprika in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor and color for longer.

To recreate the spice of hot paprika, the best substitute is another dried chilli, like ground cayenne, aleppo pepper powder, crushed red pepper flakes, red chilli powder, or even a dash of hot sauce. If your recipe calls for smokiness and sweetness, try chipotle chilli powder or ancho pepper powder. Chipotle powder has a smoky taste, but is hotter than paprika with a more earthy flavour, lending itself to barbecue sauces, rubs and chillis. Due to the difference in heat, use a ¼ teaspoon of chipotle powder for every teaspoon of paprika and adjust depending on your taste buds.

If you’re looking to replicate the flavour of sweet paprika add a pinch of sugar or some honey. Adding mild chilli powder or tomato powder works too. Bell peppers are another great substitute for sweet paprika and they come from the same Capsicum annuum family. Mild, sweet and aromatic, bell peppers give the same delicious taste and aroma, while adding a splash of colour too. When buying your bell peppers, make sure they’re nice and ripe.

One of the best substitutes for paprika is cayenne pepper. It’s a spicy chilli pepper, used to flavour many different cuisines and quite similar in colour. It’s a lot stronger and hotter than paprika, so if you’re using it as a substitute in your cooking, make sure you use a lesser quantity. If you have a lower tolerance to spicy food, you can add salt, cream, chopped tomatoes or more liquid (water or broth) to try and dial down the heat.

Like paprika, chilli powder packs a lot of flavour and is another worthy substitute. It’s also not as spicy as cayenne pepper, so you can use the same quantities.  The same goes for cajun spices. A combination of black and white pepper, plus other herbs and spices, it can work as a good substitute for smoked or sweet paprika, offering a similar flavour. But you won’t get the same beautiful red colour – more of an orange, warm hue.

You can also use cumin instead of paprika. But it’s a lot hotter, so go easy on the quantities. Like cajun spices, you won’t achieve the gorgeous red colour of paprika, as cumin has more of a yellowy-brown colouring, but you’ll still get an earthy flavour with hints of bitterness and sweetness.

Once the crushed red pepper has been processed and packaged, it is ready to be shipped to retailers and consumers around the world. Crushed red pepper is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes, from pasta sauces and soups to meat rubs and marinades. Its intense heat and robust flavor make it a popular choice for those looking to add a kick to their meals.

WHAT IS CHILI POWDER?