Paprika
The fundamentals
Latin name: Capsicum annuum
Pigments: Capsanthin, Capsorubin
E-number: E160c
Produces shades:
6 facts about paprika
Paprika is native to tropical regions of North and South America where it was used mainly as a medicine, believed to have healing powers.
It is said to have been introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage.
In the 16th century the Jeronimos monks at Yuste Monastery in southwest Spain began growing it for local consumption.
Trade in paprika expanded from the Iberian Peninsula and it is now grown widely throughout Spain, Africa, China the United States and the Indian subcontinent.
Known primarily as a spice, Spanish paprika has 3 types (sweet, spicy, and smoked). Hungarian paprika has a whopping eight classifications. Paprika grown for natural color is not very spicy.
Paprika has seven times as much vitamin C as oranges have.
How paprika is grown
Paprika is a member of the nightshade (Solanaceae) family.
Plants can be seeded indoors or sown directly in well-drained soil, depending on the climate. The plants grow to about one meter high and typically take seven to nine months to reach maturity and bear fruit. Paprika produces several fruit sets so there are varying levels of pod maturity on the plant at harvest.
The pods harvested either by hand or mechanically and are then dried in the sun.
Harvest calendar and growing areas
Harvesting of paprika is from October to December in China, and from January to April in India.
What you should know about pigments from paprika
Oterra's stable, industry-leading formulations allow you to benefit from all of the advantages of paprika as a natural food color while minimizing any intrinsic challenges associated with this plant.
The pigments from paprika are oil soluble. Paprika a good plant-based alternative to carminic acid.
Natural Strengths
Good light stability
Unaffected by pH
Fair heat stability
Natural Challenges
Sensitive to oxidation
Off flavor may develop depending on dosage and application unless de-flavored
Requires ascorbic acid in applications with high water activity
Must be emulsified/encapsulated in water-based applications
