Hungarian Paprika
Ranges from mild to spicy; rich, complex
Goulash, chicken paprikash, stews
Spanish Smoked Paprika (Pimentón)
Deeply smoky (peppers dried over oak fires)
Chorizo, paella, grilled meats, beans
✅ All are 100% ground peppers—nothing else.
🐛 So Where Did the “Bug” Myth Come From?
The confusion likely stems from two unrelated red food dyes:
Carmine (cochineal extract):
Made from crushed cochineal insects
Used in some yogurts, juices, candies, and cosmeticsNever used in authentic paprika
Red 40 (Allura Red):
A synthetic petroleum-based dye
Sometimes added to low-quality spice blends for brighter color
