This is how sweet, hot, and smoked paprika are distinguished
Although they may seem similar, sweet, hot and smoked paprika differ in the peppers they are made from.
All paprika is made from the dried and ground skin of red bell peppers, but each variety uses different peppers. Sweet paprika is the most commonly used in recipes: it's made with sweeter, milder bell peppers and has a deep red color.
Hot paprika is made from a blend of hotter red peppers, though its color is just as intense as that of sweet paprika. It's a good substitute for cayenne pepper when you're looking for a more intense flavor.
Smoked paprika is made with the same red bell peppers as sweet paprika. The difference is that they are smoked with wood before being dried, peeled, and crushed. Although it is treated with heat, it is not spicy: it is very mild, similar to sweet paprika, with a slight smoky flavor.
Therefore, smoked paprika can be substituted for sweet paprika in recipes that call for a smoky flavor. Generally, the varieties can be interchanged, although each will impart a distinct taste to your dishes.
When cooked, paprika loses some of its flavor and color, especially the sweet variety, which fades quickly during long cooking times. Therefore, it's best to add it at the end or sprinkle it as a garnish, such as on stuffed eggs, to add color and flavor.
