Pimiento vs. Paprika — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 18, 2024
Pimiento is a variety of sweet red pepper, notable for its heart shape and mild flavor, used often stuffed in olives. Paprika is spice made from ground, dried peppers, offering a range of flavors from sweet to smoky, depending on the type of peppers used.
Difference Between Pimiento and Paprika
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Key Differences
Pimientos are a specific type of sweet pepper, known for their heart-shaped appearance and vibrant red color. They are commonly used in cuisine for stuffing olives and making pimento cheese. On the other hand, paprika is a ground spice derived from various types of peppers, including bell peppers and chili peppers, and is used to add color and flavor to dishes.
While pimientos are typically consumed in their fresh or pickled form, adding a sweet and mild taste to dishes, paprika is primarily used in its powdered form, contributing not only flavor but also a characteristic red hue to recipes. The flavor profile of paprika can range from mild and sweet to hot, depending on the type of peppers used and whether the seeds are included.
Pimientos are often used whole or chopped in culinary applications, especially in Mediterranean cuisine, where their mild sweetness complements a variety of dishes. Paprika, however, is a versatile spice that finds its place in a multitude of culinary traditions, from Hungarian goulash to Spanish paella, enhancing the dish's overall taste and appearance.
The cultivation and harvesting process of pimientos involve growing the peppers until they reach a ripe, red stage, after which they are typically hand-picked. Paprika, in contrast, involves a more complex process that includes drying and grinding the peppers into a fine powder, a practice that can influence the spice's final color and potency.
Pimientos are often associated with specific dishes and uses, such as being a key ingredient in pimento cheese or as a garnish. Paprika, on the other hand, serves a broader purpose in cooking, acting as a staple spice in many kitchens worldwide, used in everything from rubs and marinades to stews and soups.
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Comparison Chart
Type
Sweet red pepper
Ground spice
Use
Stuffed in olives, pimento cheese
Seasoning for dishes, color enhancement
Flavor
Mild, sweet
Ranges from sweet to smoky or hot
Form
Fresh, pickled
Powdered
Culinary Tradition
Mediterranean cuisine, garnishes
Hungarian, Spanish, and various global cuisines
Compare with Definitions
Pimiento
Integral to Southern cuisine, especially in pimento cheese.
The pimento cheese spread was a hit at the picnic, thanks to the freshly chopped pimientos.
Paprika
A spice made from ground, dried peppers, used to add color and flavor to food.
She sprinkled paprika over the chicken to give it a vibrant red color before roasting.
Pimiento
A variety of sweet red pepper known for its heart shape and mild flavor.
The chef added chopped pimientos to the salad for a splash of color and sweetness.
Paprika
Essential in Hungarian cuisine, notably in dishes like goulash.
The key to an authentic goulash is a generous amount of sweet paprika.
Pimiento
Can be found fresh, pickled, or jarred in grocery stores.
She picked up a jar of pimientos to use in her pasta dish.
Paprika
Comes in various forms, including sweet, smoked, and hot.
For a smoky flavor, he used smoked paprika in the barbecue rub.
Pimiento
Adds a mild sweetness to dishes without overwhelming heat.
The addition of pimientos brought a subtle sweetness to the stew.
Paprika
Used as a garnish to add a splash of color to dishes like deviled eggs.
A pinch of paprika on top of deviled eggs makes them irresistible.
Pimiento
Often used stuffed in green olives, providing a sweet contrast to the olive's briny flavor.
I love the taste of green olives stuffed with pimientos.
Paprika
Enhances the flavor and color of stews, soups, and marinades.
She added paprika to the marinade for a deeper flavor and rich color.
Pimiento
A pimiento (Spanish pronunciation: [piˈmjento]) or pimento is any kind of pepper. In some English speaking countries, it is mostly associated with a variety of large, red, heart-shaped chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) that measures 3 to 4 in (7 to 10 cm) long and 2 to 3 in (5 to 7 cm) wide (medium, elongate).
Paprika
Paprika (American English more commonly (listen), British English more commonly (listen)) is a spice made from dried and ground red peppers. It is traditionally made from Capsicum annuum varietals in the Longum group, which also includes chili peppers, but the peppers used for paprika tend to be milder and have thinner flesh.
Pimiento
A red sweet pepper
A casserole of devilled pimiento
Paprika
A powdered spice with a deep orange-red colour and a mildly pungent flavour, made from the dried and ground fruits of certain varieties of pepper.
Pimiento
A garden pepper (Capsicum annuum) having a mild, sweet, red fruit.
Paprika
A powdered seasoning made from sweet red peppers, ranging in flavor from mild to hot.
Pimiento
The fruit of this plant, used in cooking, in salads, and as a stuffing for green olives.
Paprika
A dark to deep or vivid reddish orange.
Pimiento
Syn of pimento, a cultivar of Capsicum annuum.
Paprika
(uncountable) Powdered spice made from dried and ground fruits of sweet pepper (bell pepper) or chili pepper (cultivars of Capsicum annuum), or mixtures of these (used especially in Hungarian cooking).
Pimiento
The Spanish sweet pepper, the fruit of which is used as a vegetable, to stuff olives, etc.; also the fruit itself. Also called pimento.
Paprika
(countable) A variety of the spice.
Pimiento
Plant bearing large mild thick-walled usually bell-shaped fruits; the principal salad peppers
Paprika
A dried but not yet ground fruit of sweet pepper (bell pepper) or chili pepper sold for use as a spice.
Pimiento
Fully ripened sweet red pepper; usually cooked
Paprika
A bright reddish orange colour resembling that of the ground spice.
Paprika
Of a bright reddish orange colour, like that of the dried paprika.
Paprika
The dried ripened fruit of Capsicum annuum or various other species of pepper; also, the mildly pungent condiment prepared from it.
Paprika
Plant bearing large mild thick-walled usually bell-shaped fruits; the principal salad peppers
Paprika
A mild powdered seasoning made from dried pimientos
Common Curiosities
What is paprika made from?
Paprika is a spice made from ground, dried peppers, which can range from sweet bell peppers to hot chili peppers.
Are pimientos the same as bell peppers?
While pimientos are a type of sweet pepper, they are not the same as bell peppers; they are smaller, sweeter, and have a distinct heart shape.
How is paprika used in cooking?
Paprika is used to season and color dishes, including stews, soups, rubs, and marinades, and is a key ingredient in cuisines around the world.
Is smoked paprika the same as regular paprika?
Smoked paprika is made from peppers that are smoked before being ground, giving it a distinct smoky flavor, unlike regular paprika.
Is paprika spicy?
Paprika can range from mild and sweet to quite spicy, depending on the type of peppers used and whether the seeds are included in the grinding process.
Can I substitute paprika for pimientos in a recipe?
Substituting paprika for pimientos may alter the flavor profile and texture of a dish, as paprika is a ground spice and pimientos are used whole or chopped.
Can pimientos be eaten raw?
Yes, pimientos can be eaten raw and are often enjoyed for their sweet, mild flavor in salads and other dishes.
What dishes are pimientos commonly used in?
Pimientos are commonly used in pimento cheese, stuffed in olives, and as a garnish in various dishes.
What is pimiento?
Pimiento is a type of sweet red pepper, known for its heart shape and mild flavor, often used in stuffing olives and making pimento cheese.
How is paprika made?
Paprika is made by drying and grinding peppers into a fine powder, with the type of pepper and processing method affecting the spice's flavor and color.
Is it easy to grow pimientos at home?
Pimientos can be grown in home gardens similar to other sweet peppers, requiring warm temperatures, sunlight, and regular watering.
What are the health benefits of paprika?
Paprika contains vitamins A and E, antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory properties, although benefits can vary based on the amount consumed.
Can paprika go bad?
While paprika doesn't spoil like fresh food, it can lose its potency and flavor over time, especially if not stored properly.
How should pimientos be stored?
Fresh pimientos should be stored in the refrigerator, while pickled or jarred pimientos can be kept in a cool, dark place until opened.
Are pimientos spicy?
No, pimientos are known for their sweet and mild flavor, making them suitable for a variety of dishes without adding heat.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
