So the question of what is a good paprika substitute comes down to what dish you're preparing and how much paprika that dish calls for. 

In addition to sourcing high-quality paprika peppers, it is important to work with suppliers who use safe and effective solvents for extracting the pigments and essential oils from the peppers. Ethanol and acetone are commonly used solvents in the extraction process, and suppliers should ensure that the solvents are properly distilled and purified to meet food safety standards.

There is no easy answer to where paprika comes from. While paprika is closely associated with Hungary and Hungarian cuisine, paprika peppers did not arrive in that part of the world until the mid to late 16th century. The origin of all peppers can be traced to South America, where they grew wild and were distributed throughout South and Central America, mostly by birds. Eventually, peppers were cultivated, and native traders travelling through these regions carried them across the Caribbean as cargo in dugout canoes.  

This type of chili sauce is super popular served as a dip for chilled shrimp and other seafood, though it's a wonderful marinade, a general condiment for topping burgers and hot dogs, or for seasoning dishes like meatloaf.

Indian chili powder is pure red chili powder, but it also comes with different spice and heat profiles. It may be bright red like the Kashmiri chili which does not have much heat, but adds color to the dishes. Or it may be hot, spicy and pungent, with colors ranging from dull red to brownish red.

Keep the temperature low and steady, around 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65 degrees Celsius), to avoid cooking the peppers. Let them soak up that smoky goodness for about 3 hours. Once the smokin’ time is up, remove the paprika from the smoker and put it to a dehydrator for the final drying process.

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.

Be warned, though; cayenne pepper powder is hotter than extra-hot paprika. Thus, make sure you use less than what is required in your recipe.

Paprika and bell peppers are generally considered safe for consumption and have a low risk of causing allergic reactions. However, individuals with a history of allergies to nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes and eggplants, may be more susceptible to allergic reactions to paprika and bell peppers.