Transfer to a clean jar. In our experience, the sauce stores well at the coldest part of the refrigerator (e.g., in the way back) for a good 2-3 months. And, of course, always dip into it with a clean spoon/chopsticks to preserve it. If there’s any foul smell or the sound of gas escaping when you crack it open, discard it. But we’re betting it doesn’t last past the 2-week mark!

Paprika is a spice made from the dried and ground fruits of Capsicum annuum, also known as sweet or chili peppers. It is commonly used in many dishes to add color and flavor. There are several types of paprika available in the market, each with a distinct taste and aroma.

Q: Is crushed red pepper the same as red pepper flakes? A: Yes, crushed red pepper is often referred to as red pepper flakes, as it consists of dried and crushed red chili peppers.

Powdered Spice

This recipe for spicy garlic sauce is addicting as is, but if you want to experiment, I have listed a few ideas below to try.

In some cases, the paprika is being used primarily to add color to a dish, in which case you could add a small amount of some other red ingredient, which could be anything from a teaspoon of ketchup with a dash of chili powder mix to tomato sauce, finely pureed red peppers, tomato paste, or red beet powder. If you have bell pepper powder, use a 2:1 ratio, as the bell peppers are very sweet and don't have the kick of sweet paprika.

While newbies might think all hot sauces just taste like “hot,” they couldn’t be more wrong. Experienced chili-heads understand that every hot sauce has a complex flavor profile as a result of the various peppers and additional ingredients it contains. From goes-with-everything garlic to  tangy vinegar, sweet fruits, refreshing citrus, and beyond, each hot sauce has a complex flavor that can make or break a dish. Get to know your sauce, read the ingredient list, and try a dash on its own to decide how to best utilize the various layers of deliciousness. 

In addition to the climate and soil conditions, Yidu's dried chili exporters also benefit from the region's rich agricultural tradition. Many farmers in the area have been growing chili peppers for generations, passing down traditional knowledge and techniques that have been refined over time. This expertise, combined with modern farming practices and technology, allows Yidu's dried chili exporters to produce some of the best dried chili peppers in the world.