Use Cases
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.
Thus, please don't be confused when I use the terms hot or spicy paprika and Hungarian paprika interchangeably.


Paprika extract and paprika oleoresin are both natural extracts derived from the spice paprika, but they differ in their production methods, composition, and applications. Here are the key differences between the two:
Adding paprika to your food can also help your health. Containing capsicum and high in fibre, it can assist with digestion, breaking down foods more easily. Paprika is also high in vitamin C and is said to normalise blood pressure and improve circulation. So it’s definitely worth adding to your dishes in the winter to provide some extra warmth. As well as vitamin C, paprika also contains good levels of vitamin E, which helps the body produce red blood cells. That means it can help heal wounds. If you get a cut, sprinkle some of the powder on it and press gently with a clean cloth for a few seconds. The spice is loaded with antioxidants too, which fight cell damage, so it’s linked to helping prevent heart disease and cancer. It’s also an effective treatment against acne, rejuvenating your skin. The iron found in paprika is also said to encourage hair growth, by improving circulation to the scalp. And it can help maintain hair colour too, due to vitamin B6, which aids in the production of melanin, a pigment that gives your hair colour. But if you’re planning on using it for this reason, always test a small amount on your wrist first, just in case you have a reaction.
Paprika is made by grinding dried peppers into a fine powder, while bell pepper powder is made by dehydrating and grinding fresh bell peppers. Paprika is often smoked before it is ground, which gives it a distinctive flavor.


In case you run out, use the following sweet or regular paprika substitution options below: