Paprika, Ground, ASTA 100–120

Spain. ASTA color 100–120. Steam sterilized. Paprika is ground sweet red pepper, valued chiefly for color. ASTA color value is the grade: 80–100 is a standard sweet paprika for general seasoning, 120–140 is superior red for visibly redder sausages and rubs, and 160 is premium super-red for products where color is the point. Smoked paprika adds oak-smoke flavor for chorizo, barbecue, and Spanish dishes; Hungarian paprika is fuller-flavored; flakes give visible pepper pieces.