The History of Red Paprika
Although paprika is the symbol of many Hungarian dishes, and our national spice, the plant was virtually unknown to Hungarians prior to the 16th century. The Ottoman Empire (the Turks) have invaded Hungary in 1526 and the occupation lasted for 150 years.
The Turks brought with them more exotic spices and the still loved coffee that made Budapest Cafe Houses flourish in later centuries. The paprika plant was mostly used as decoration after the Turks brought the plant to Hungary during the occupation. Shepherds and herdsmen, called "goulash" in Hungarian, who had more contact with the invader Turks, learn the secret of drying and grounding the bright red fruits and started to spice their meals with the fiery red powder. For decades, this wonderful spice slowly made its way around the southern part of Hungary. Eventually it made its painstaking journey across the country as Hungarians found more and more ways to use the delicate, but sometimes fiery powder. The culinary face of Hungary started changing with every step this wonderful new spice took. Our Hungarian Goulash became what it is today by the magic touch of the mysterious red paprika powder.
From the herdsmen's cauldrons, the paprika gradually spiced up the dishes of peasants and eventually showed up at the tables of the reluctant aristocracy. Up until the late 18th century, the Hungarian aristocracy maintained a French style menu. However, the tantalizing scent from the white peasant houses attracted more and more of them. After they tried the dishes spiced with the bright red spice, they ordered their chefs to learn the secret and apply it to many of their dishes. Budapest restaurants also started to use Hungarian Red Paprika Powder regularly during the late 18th century. During the nationwide popularity this fiery red powder spread like wildfire outside the borders of Hungary. Today, there is no country in the world that couldn't find a use of our National Treasure. The best known Hungarian red paprika around the world is from the city of "Szeged", however if you ask Hungarians they will all tell you that the best quality red paprika powder comes from the City of Kalocsa. Their paprika museum is a treasure in itself.
There are many varieties to this brilliant red powder in Hungary and of course outside of our borders. Hungarian red paprika ranges from the delicate, surprisingly sweet to the fiery hot that mirrors the fiery temperament of the Hungarian nation.