Paprika Oleoresin (same as Paprika Extract, Paprika Colour, Paprika Oil) is a versatile and widely-used natural food coloring and flavoring agent. Extracted from the dried fruits of the Capsicum annuum plant, commonly known as paprika, this oleoresin offers a vibrant reddish-orange hue and a distinct flavor profile that has made it an essential ingredient in a vast array of products, ranging from spices and condiments to pharma products. The increasing demand for natural and clean-label ingredients has further propelled the popularity of paprika oleoresin, as it provides a natural alternative to synthetic food colorants while delivering a captivating visual appeal.
Beyond its coloring capabilities, paprika oleoresin also contributes a range of flavors, including sweet, spicy, and slightly pungent notes, making it a versatile ingredient that can be tailored to various culinary, food processing and pharmaceutical applications.
Paprika Oleoresin is made through extraction from dried fruits of paprika plant, botanically called Capsicum annum. The extraction and purification of paprika oleoresin involve a series of sophisticated processes, leveraging advanced technologies to optimize the yield and purity of the final product. These processes typically involve the use of organic solvents, such as ethanol or carbon dioxide, to selectively extract the desired compounds from the dried paprika pods, followed by various purification steps to remove impurities and concentrate the active components.
The applications of paprika oleoresin span a wide range of sectors, including food, beverages, cosmetics, and even pharmaceutical formulations. In the food industry, paprika oleoresin is widely used as a natural colouring agent, imparting a vibrant red-orange hue to a variety of products, such as cheese, sauces, spices, snacks, and processed meats. Its flavor-enhancing properties also make it a valuable ingredient in marinades, seasonings, and spice blends, where it can amplify the overall taste profile of the final product.
Paprika Oleoresin can be used in the following products:
- Red Chilli Powder
- Blended Spices, like Chicken Masala, Sambhar Masala etc.
- Seasonings and Sprinklers like Peri Peri, Cajun Spice, Chilli Garlic etc.
- Sauces and Chutneys
- Mayonnaise and Dips
- Namkeen and Extruded Snacks
- Pickles
- RTE/RTC
- Soup Premixes
- Plant based Food Products
- Convenience Processed Meat Products
- Pharma Products
What is CU in paprika?
CU, or color unit, is a measure of the pigment concentration in paprika oleoresin. It is a common way to quantify the intensity of the color in paprika, which is primarily determined by the levels of carotenoid compounds, such as capsanthin and capsorubin. Usually, Paprika Oleoresin in range of 40000 - 100000 CU/Colour units is used across diverse industries
How is Paprika Oleoresin used in chilli powder and spices?
Paprika is a key ingredient added to red chilli powder chili powder blends, where it contributes primarily colour and bit of flavour. The red-orange hue of paprika oleoresin is what gives chilli powder its characteristic vibrant red appearance.
Beyond just color, paprika also provides a range of flavors that are essential to the overall taste profile of red chilli powder. In chilli powder blends, paprika helps to balance the heat from different kind of chillies, creating a more rounded and nuanced flavor experience.
The role of paprika in chilli powder is not limited to its sensory properties; it also serves as a functional ingredient. Paprika oleoresin contains carotenoid compounds, which act as natural antioxidants, helping to stabilize the blend and extend the shelf life of the chili powder.
Overall, the inclusion of paprika oleoresin in chilli powder formulations is a key factor in determining the final color, flavor, and functional characteristics of this widely-used spice blend.
Purchase Paprika Oleoresin
United Group of Food Consultants, offers Paprika Oleoresin in different colour units, ranging from 40000 CU to 100000 CU. Beyond Paprika Oleoresin, United Group has a bouquet of natural extracts and spice flavours suitable for blended spice and seasonings manufacturers.
Get in Touch with Team United to buy Paprika Oleoresin.
