Sweet smoked paprika, Pimenton de la Vera, 75 g

Smoked paprika is one of the most popular and distinctive spices used in many world cuisines, celebrated for its rich flavor, aroma, and vibrant color. It is made by grinding sweet or hot red peppers from the Capsicum annuum family. Originally from the West Indies and South America, today it is mainly produced in Spain, Hungary, and South America.

The world-famous Pimentón de la Vera is a smoked paprika with a Protected Designation of Origin. It is produced in Spain’s La Vera Valley, Extremadura - a region known for its humid climate and frequent autumn rains during the pepper harvest. Because the peppers cannot be sun-dried, they are slowly smoked and dried using a traditional oak wood process, which gives the paprika its characteristic deep flavor and unmistakable smoky aroma.

After harvesting, the ripe peppers are placed in two-level drying houses. On the lower level, a gentle fire of moist oak wood is maintained, while the peppers rest above on wooden racks. They are turned by hand daily for 10-15 days until perfectly dried. Once dried, the stems and seeds are removed, and the peppers are ground using slow-turning stone mills to preserve their color and flavor. This artisanal method, perfected centuries ago, continues to this day, combining tradition with modern technology to ensure outstanding quality.

Distinctive Characteristics:

Pimentón de la Vera smoked sweet paprika stands out with its deep red color, pleasant flavor, and pronounced smoky aroma. It adds to any dish the rich taste of food cooked over a wood fire - without lighting a grill.

Its strong flavor means a little goes a long way: half a teaspoon is enough for a dish serving 4-6 people. Add it during cooking so that heat releases its aroma - but only in dishes with liquid and at low heat, as smoked paprika can easily burn.

When used without heating, the flavor is milder and allows for more generous use - try sprinkling it over cheese, eggs, vegetables, or meats for a subtle smoky finish.

Health Benefits:

Digestive Health & Metabolism
Smoked paprika supports healthy digestion by increasing saliva and gastric acids, helping break down food and improving nutrient absorption for energy.

Stress & Sleep Support
Rich in B vitamins, it promotes melatonin production - the “sleep hormone” - supporting restful sleep and helping you wake up refreshed. It also boosts serotonin and norepinephrine levels, aiding in stress relief.

Heart Health
Its vitamin C content helps protect against cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks and strokes. Smoked paprika also contains iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, which support blood purification and heart function.

Faster Wound Healing
With its natural vitamin E, smoked paprika helps in the production of red blood cells and supports faster wound healing.

Skin Health
Thanks to its antibacterial properties, smoked paprika can help combat skin issues linked to bacterial infections, including acne.

Hair Strength & Growth
Its iron content helps deliver oxygen to hair follicles, stimulating growth and improving scalp circulation.

Ingredients:

Smoked, dried, and finely ground sweet red peppers (Capsicum annuum).

Usage Instructions

Use ½ teaspoon for a dish serving 4-6 people.
Add during cooking to release its aroma, but only in liquids and over low heat to avoid burning.

For uncooked dishes, its flavor is milder - you can sprinkle it freely over cheese, eggs, vegetables, or meats.

Tips for Best Use

- Use about ¼ teaspoon for every 2-4 servings; adjust to taste.
- Think of smoked paprika like salt - a little enhances flavor, too much can overpower.
- Always warm it gently during cooking to release its full aroma.
- Avoid adding it directly to hot oil or dry pans - it burns easily.
- Excellent for rubs and marinades; note that high grill heat may caramelize its natural sugars and alter the smoky flavor.

Packing: 75 g