Pimenton De La Vera (Sweet Smoked Paprika) - Spain

Pimentón de la Vera is a paprika made from luscious red peppers (pimientos) grown in the La Vera microclimate of Spain's Extremadura region.

When harvest begins in the fall, entire families get involved. The mature peppers are placed in drying houses, where they are smoke-dried over oak fires - the mark of genuine Pimenton de la Vera.

The dried peppers are then stone ground into a powder. La Dalia Pimentón de la Vera is D.O. protected - Pimento de la Vera was the first pepper to receive such designation in Spain.

Dulce is the "sweet" version of this smoked paprika (rather than hot-spicy); its hint of sweetness flows through its smoky warm flavor.

The flavor of smoked pimentón is much more complex than Hungarian paprika and is an absolutely essential ingredient for many Spanish dishes.

Use Pimentón de la Vera in all the ways you normally use Hungarian paprika and savor its depth of flavor and smoky complexity. We especially love Pimentón de la Vera on Roasted Chickpeas - a delicious, healthful snack.

Pimentón de la Vera was the first chile pepper product to be granted a Denominaclón de Origen, or controlled name status. Family history and expertise are the soul of Pimentón "la Dalia," a company that has long honored the land, its people and their traditions.

See the Roasted Cauliflower with Cocoa & Smoked Paprika Recipe here