Pimentón de la Vera
Pimentón de la Vera is smoked paprika from La Vera (Extremadura). Peppers are dried over oak smoke, then milled — giving Spanish cooking its signature sweet-smoky depth.
Why it matters
Ordinary paprika is dried and milled. Pimentón de la Vera is smoked. That smoke is structural in chorizo, many stews, and dishes like pulpo a la gallega.
Choosing a style
- Dulce — sweet; everyday default
- Agridulce — bittersweet middle
- Picante — hot; use with care