What is Paprika?

   Paprika is a spice made by grinding the dried pod of the red pep­per, or capsicum, plant. It is a reddish powder, sweeter in taste than cayenne or chili pepper. It is often used for decorating foods such as mashed potatoes or creamed chicken.
   The capsicum plant belongs to the night-shade family and is not related to the Piper nigrum plant from which black and white pepper are made. The capsicum plant is an annual shrub bearing small white flowers and reddish oblong fruit which stands up-right on the branch. These pods are called pimiento.