But the peppers themselves trace back to the Americas. After Columbus brought chili peppers to Europe, they made their way to Central Europe, where farmers began cultivating sweet red peppers specifically for drying and grinding.
Today, top paprika-producing regions include:
Hungary (famous for rich, sweet varieties)
Spain (home of smoked pimentón)
California & New Mexico (USA)
🧄 What Kind of Peppers Are Used?
Not all peppers make good paprika.
The best come from fully ripened red capsicums — usually sweet bell peppers or mild chili varieties like Capsicum annuum.
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