When cooking with dried red pepper pods, it's important to handle them with care. The oils in the peppers can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, so it's best to wear gloves when handling them. Additionally, it's a good idea to remove the seeds from the pods before using them if you prefer a milder heat.

But what if you can’t find these traditional Hungarian peppers? Don’t worry! An excellent alternative that you can easily find in the US is the Sweet Hungarian or Sweet Banana pepper. These elongated peppers share similarities with their Hungarian counterparts and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. You can usually find them at local grocery stores or farmers’ markets, making them a convenient choice for homemade “Hungarian” paprika.
Chili powder is a versatile spice that adds heat and flavor to a variety of dishes. There are many different types of chili powder available, each with its own unique flavor profile and level of spiciness. Understanding the differences between these types can help you choose the right one for your cooking needs.

On the other hand, paprika is much milder and the SHU ranges from 100-1,500 SHU, again depending on the variety of the plant it comes from. As far as the heat factor is concerned, the Indian red chili powder is much hotter than paprika.
How Hot Is Paprika?
Flavor Profiles
That said, black pepper or white pepper has a distinct spiciness and heat level that can match what paprika brings to the table. In fact, I add the same amount of ground black pepper or white pepper when using it to substitute hot paprika in my recipe.


Although red peppers originated in North America, they were brought to Europe in the 1500s, starting in Spain and Portugal, before making their way via the spice trade to North Africa, Central Europe, and even Asia. Today, paprika has established itself as a pantry staple from the Mediterranean to North Africa, Africa, and the Middle East.
Yidu, a town in Hubei province, China, is famous for its dried chili peppers. The region has a long history of chili cultivation and production, making it one of the leading exporters of dried chili peppers in the country. Yidu's dried chili exporters have gained a reputation for producing high-quality products that are in demand both domestically and internationally.