Paprika is a spice made from dried and ground red peppers, primarily from the species Capsicum annuum , which includes both sweet bell peppers and chili peppers

. The flavor of paprika can range from mild and sweet to hot, depending on the type of pepper used, and its color varies from bright red to dark ruby

. Originating from peppers native to Mexico and Central America, paprika was introduced to Europe in the 16th century via Spain and Portugal, and it became especially prominent in Hungarian, Spanish, and Central European cuisines

. It is commonly used to add color, flavor, and mild heat to dishes such as goulash, stews, marinades, and deviled eggs

. There are several varieties of paprika, including:

• Sweet paprika , which is mild and mostly made from the fruit of the pepper with most seeds removed.
• Hot paprika , which retains some seeds and stalks, giving it more heat.
• Smoked paprika , which is made by smoking the peppers before grinding, imparting a distinctive smoky flavor often used in Spanish and Mexican dishes

Paprika is prized not only for its flavor but also for its vibrant red color, making it a popular garnish and seasoning worldwide