Spice

Capsicum annuum

S tier

Capsicum annuum is the species behind nearly all true paprika peppers—from Hungarian wax types to Spanish round pimentón cultivars—distinct from many tropical chilli species used only for heat. Fruit is dried and milled; variety and whether ribs and seeds are included set sweetness and heat. Specifying C. annuum paprika cultivars matters for PDO products and for avoiding generic chilli blends mislabelled as paprika. Growers select for thick flesh and vivid colour as much as for capsaicin.