Because they’re occasionally found in recipes together, you may assume that paprika and cayenne are somewhat interchangeable since they both look like ground red pepper. Both come from dried peppers, have a deep red color, and feature a slightly smoky flavor. However, that’s where the similarities end.
Orange bell peppers are a cross between red and yellow bell peppers. They have a sweet, mild flavor and a bright orange color. Orange bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.
In rare cases, allergic reactions to paprika and bell peppers can occur, causing symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Individuals who experience these symptoms after consuming paprika or bell peppers should seek medical attention immediately.
Basically made of paprika, cayenne pepper powder, garlic powder, oregano, and other flavorful seasonings, Cajun spice (also called Cajun seasoning) features a bold spicy flavor with a subtle earthiness. Although it contains the combined heat of paprika and cayenne, this seasoning is considered mild because, again, it’s made with a combination of seasonings. Despite being made from a combination of spices, some versions are still hot because different brands pack different amounts of ground peppers in their bottle. For this reason, we recommend testing this alternative first before using it.
The Scoville Heat Unit measures the heat factor chilies from different plants. Depending on the plant, its source and the brand, the SHU of Indian red chili powder ranges from 48,000 SHU (which is relatively mild) to 72,000 SHU (which is hot).
Preheat the oven to the lowest setting, around 140°F (60°C). Cut the peppers in half and take out the seeds. Lay the halved peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Remember to leave the oven door slightly open to allow moisture to escape. Let the peppers dry in the oven for a few hours, checking them often to make sure they’re completely dry and crispy. The drying time depends on the size and thickness of the peppers. With patience and attention, you’ll have perfectly dried peppers.


To make this paprika substitute, combine one part of tomato sauce with two parts of chili powder. Blend them well before measuring.
Unless a recipe specifies otherwise, you’ll maximize your flavor with paprika by adding it later in the cooking time. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can degrade both the color and the flavor from paprika, creating a less attractive dish.

Cayenne Pepper Powder



There are three different types of paprika; this spice is either sweet, or hot, or smoked. Understanding these three characteristics often help determine where a particular kind of paprika is from. “Regular” paprika tends to be sweeter, not really hot, and can be from California, Hungary, or South America. There are 8 different kinds of Hungarian paprika, and they can be sweet, hot, or pungent, and range in color from vibrant red to light brown. Spanish paprika is usually smoked, and can be mild or hot.


Hot sauces are a tasteful balance of flavors. It’s defined as a spicy and flavorful blend of different kinds of peppers and chilis, tomatoes, onions, vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices. It’s this mix of ingredients that creates a sauce that is not just going to activate your taste buds. It will have notes of fruitiness, sweetness from the sugar, a hint of warmth from the ground cumin or bitterness from the green bell peppers, and it might even have a touch of heat from the Sichuan peppercorns or the cayenne pepper that attacks the back of your throat, making you cough. It will also have a tangy flavor courtesy of the vinegar.


In summary, the spiciness of a chili pepper can vary widely, from mild to extremely hot, depending on the specific variety. Understanding the heat level of different chili peppers can help in selecting the right pepper to achieve the desired level of spiciness in a dish.