paprikat

Paprikat is a term used in Central European culinary and linguistic contexts to refer to paprika, the ground spice made from peppers of the Capsicum annuum species. In standard Hungarian, the spice is called paprika, and paprikát is the accusative form used when paprika is the direct object in a sentence. In transliterated or non-Hungarian texts, paprikat may appear as an approximate form of the word.

Paprika powder ranges from bright red to orange and varies in heat from mild to hot, depending on pepper cultivar and processing. Common varieties include sweet (édes), hot (csípős), and smoked (füstölt). Peppers are typically dried and ground to produce powder or processed into pastes. Smoked paprika is produced by smoke-drying peppers; in Spain this form is known as pimentón.

Culinary uses: Paprikat/paprika is a staple in dishes such as goulash (guláš), chicken paprikash (paprikás), and various stews, sausages, and soups. It provides color, aroma, and a range of heat levels, contributing to both flavor and appearance.

Production and culture: Hungary is especially associated with paprika, with historic growing regions such as Kalocsa and Szeged. Paprika remains an important agricultural product and symbol of Hungarian cuisine, exported worldwide and used in many cuisines beyond Central Europe.

Nutritional aspects: Paprika contains carotenoids such as beta-carotene and capsanthin, contributing to vitamin A and antioxidant activity. It is low in calories and generally used in small amounts, though some individuals may be sensitive to capsaicin present in hotter varieties.